I've posted before, to preface I am a journeyman electrician hoping to become a lineman. I have a wife and 3 kids and trying to retire my wife, but need a higher paying job. I have been trying to become a lineman for about 4 years now with no luck unless I want to do do line school unpaid, but cannot afford to go unpaid for 2 years. Davey Tree is hiring in my town for a groundperson and I figure this may be a way to get my CDL paid for. It is $5 less per hour that what I currently make, but better benefit coverage which would even things out. Davey is also hiring for a groundperson with DTE in a town about an hour from me. Is this a waste of time or is it a good 'foot in the door'? I know tree clearance isnt much on a resume for apprentice lineman jobs, but it might get me closer to my goal than staying as an electrician right?
u/Conscious-You-4901
Has anyone else made this transition? I became a journeyman electrician this year with 5 years experience in both commercial and residential and underground work. I do not have my CDL but I am trying to obtain this. It's been hard to do because I have a family and can't take off work to take the course at this time.
With that said, I realized when I was about 1/2 way through my electrician apprenticeship that I would like to be a lineman. I already had a kid at this point, so going back to a 2 year school was not an option. I'm hoping to find an apprenticeship that will pay-to-learn. I know they're hot commodities as i've been applying to these types of roles for 3 years now. Now that i have my electrician journeyman card, are my chances better? Has anyone made this switch? I am located in michigan for reference, willing to move in MI if I can find an apprenticeship that pays as I learn.
I applied to DTE Apprentice Lineman early april, was emailed about scheduling the EEI CAST test on 4.15 and took the test today. About an hour later, I received my EEI CAST results from DTE saying that I received recommended and they will further review my background and job application to determine next steps. Shouldn't they have reviewed that stuff before scheduling the CAST test? I have my journeyman electrician's license, but no CDL or actual lineman experience. Anyone ever been in a similar boat?