Pre-Apprentice Line Program
The program was originally developed in response to a nationwide shortage of skilled line workers, a demand that continues today.
Why Study to Become a Line Worker at Highlands College of Montana Tech?
According to a recent survey of the Montana utility industry, there is still a significant need for individuals with the skills provided by the Pre-Apprentice Line Program.
One-Semester Program
Our one-semester Pre-Apprentice Line certificate program prepares you for groundman and apprentice positions within the line trade. You will learn how to assist with the installation, construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical power line systems. Students will also earn their CDL Class A license as part of the program.
Before beginning the behind-the-wheel training for the Class A Commercial Driver’s License, students must complete the three-part Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) written permit exam. After successful completion of the behind-the-wheel training requirements for the Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) are met, the student must complete the CDL-A skills exam administered by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, to become a licensed CDL-A driver, before entering the workforce.
Collaboration with Employers
The program is an ongoing collaborative effort of many organizations who have come together to oversee the program and ensure future line-workers have the skills needed in industry. These include Montana Technological University, Montana Department of Labor and Industry, NorthWestern Energy, Montana Co-op Association, Rural Electric Association, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and National Electrical Contractors Association.
Applying for the Program
The line program combines classroom teaching with extensive, carefully-planned field training. Students will work with experienced instructors to learn the tasks and skills essential to the trade. Safety procedures are discussed and practiced with each task. To participate in this program, you:
- Must not have a fear of heights!
- Should have good manual dexterity.
- Must like to work outdoors in changing weather conditions.
- Be physically fit.
- Weigh less than 275 pounds (bucket trucks have weight limits).
The first week of training will include intensive pole work.
The program space is limited, and first come, first served. Admission to Highlands College does not guarantee admission to the Pre-Apprenticeship Line Program.
Admission Requirements
The following criteria must be met before admission will be granted to the Line program. Initial admission to the program is based on a first-come first-served process. The first individuals to apply for a specific semester will have a slot reserved pending submission of the remaining items listed below.
- Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical: Applicants must complete and pass the DOT physical. Applicants should contact their personal physician to fulfill this requirement. A copy of the completed DOT examination form must be submitted to the Admissions Office. Please keep your original card. If your physician is not DOT certified you can search for DOT certified physicians by area: https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/home.
- Immunization records: Proof of two doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella. Your high school should have these on file or you can check with the Health Department.
- Valid driver’s license: Please submit a copy of your current valid driver’s license.
- Official transcripts: Official high school transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable).
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age before the first 2 weeks of the semester of study are complete.
The Line Program is unique in that students complete 30 credits in one semester, and students pay tuition and fees that differ from the rest of Highlands College. For the 2024/25 academic year, Montana residents pay a total of $10,336, Non-residents pay $13,776, while the cost is $11,109 for students with Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) status. Choose Tuition & Financial Aid below to connect with a Financial Aid specialist who can provide additional assistance regarding cost.
Additional Program Requirements
Once you are accepted into the program there are program requirements specific to the Pre-Apprentice Line Program in addition to the Admissions requirements. Because students will be earning their CDL class A, the following are required:
- MVRS (Motor Vehicle Records): no major violations within 5 years (DUI, OVI-operating vehicle impaired) and no more than 3 moving violations in 3 years.
- CLP: Please make every attempt to obtain your CLP (written permit) prior to the start date of the program. You must pass this written exam and obtain the CLP before you can start driving. The link to schedule the exam is https://dojmt.gov/driving/appointments/.
Please note: you must be 18 years of age at the time you take the CDL written exam. - Drug Testing: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), along with the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that individuals subject to the CDL requirements follow alcohol and drug testing rules. Drug testing will be conducted the first week of class.
- Equipment: Students will need to bring their own boots and starting Spring 2025 students will also need to bring their own belts.
What is a Line Worker?
A Line Worker (or Powerline Worker) constructs and maintains the electric transmission and distribution facilities that deliver electrical energy to industrial, commercial, and residential establishments. A Line Worker installs, services, and repairs electrical lines in the case of lightning, wind, ice storm, or ground disruptions.
What Kinds of Jobs Do Line Workers Get?
Line Workers are employed by electrical companies and rural electric cooperatives. Other job opportunities include: Gas Tech, Equipment Operator, Broad Band Tech, Inside Wireman, Pole Inspector, and CDL Driver.
This is a high-demand field with immediate need and anticipated growth throughout Montana and the nation.
Take a look at a number of stories about the pre-apprentice line program created by local media outlets.
Governor Greg Gianforte this week highlighted apprenticeship opportunities in Montana by visiting with the Highlands College pre-apprentice line program.
Gwen Bjorkman of Columbus is one of 48 graduates from 7 different states in Highlands College’s Fall 2023 Pre-Apprentice Line Program.
Explore Classes in the Pre-Apprenticeship Line Program
You’ll receive personal, hands-on instruction throughout the semester of courses. You’ll have opportunities to work with a wide variety of tools, equipment, and techniques typically used in the line industry.
Calculate your cost of attendance.
Strong placement rate most years.
See exactly which classes are included in the pre-apprenticeship line program.
Train for a career as a machinist with talented instructors and industry-leading tools.
Learn to assist professional engineers in nearly every type of infrastructure project imaginable.
You’ll learn how to inspect, maintain, and repair a variety of vehicles with engines, including electric vehicles.
You can apply for the Pre-Apprentice Line Program on the Montana Technological University website:
It’s easy and free for all to apply at mtech.edu/applynow.
Montana residents can also apply for free at applymontana.mus.edu.
The requirements for admission to the program are:
- DOT physical
- Proof of two doses of MMR immunizations
- Official transcripts (high school, dual enrollment and any/all colleges attended)
- Copy of valid driver’s license
Space in the program is limited to 60 students. Enrollment is based on a first come/first served basis. The first individuals to apply for admission and complete all the admissions requirements will secure a spot in the program. Once all of your items are received and if there are still spots available you will receive a confirmation of acceptance email from Niki Flansburg. If the program has reached capacity for the semester, you will be placed on the waitlist or receive information about enrolling for a future term.
- Email: lineprogram@mtech.edu or admissions@mtech.edu
-
US Mail:
Montana Tech Admissions
1300 West Park Street
Butte, MT 59701 - Fax: 406-496-4707
**For official transcripts: in order to be official, all grades must be posted and a graduation date listed on the transcript. We can accept the official transcripts from your high school via email, fax, mail, and electronic submission (Parchment etc.).
You do not need ACT or SAT scores or math placement.
Tuition and fees are due by the first day of class.
Current Tuition Estimates:
- Montana Resident (estimate) $11,161.69
- Non-Resident (estimate) $14,574.87
- WUE* (estimate) $11,985.03
Estimated tuition and fees are based on the 2026-2027 academic year.
*WUE is an agreement among 16 western states and territories that drastically reduces non-resident tuition costs.
The cost of the program includes the following certificates:
Rigging, Traffic Control/Flagging, 10-hour OSHA Training and training and distribution (T&D) card, First Aid & CPR, CDL Class A license.
Courses:
- Line 100 Line Industry General Knowledge
- Line 110 Math for the Utility Industry
- Line 120 Line Industry Electrical Theory
- Line 130 Safety and Certifications
- Line 140 Pole Yard
- Line 150 Line Industry, Tools, Equipment, Materials
Tools are also included in the cost of the program and are issued on the first day of class.
**Additional costs: housing and meal plans are not included in the tuition cost. You will also need to purchase your own math book, gloves, and boots. There is a graduation application fee of $79 and you will also purchase your cap and gown from the campus bookstore.No, tuition rates are decided by the Montana Board of Regents and we are unable to make changes.
Yes. The student does need health insurance. Montana Tech provides student health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Company. You can waive the student insurance if you already have coverage. Here is more information about student health insurance:
Insurance Information for Students - Student Life - Montana Tech - Montana's Premier STEM University
Work boots; Steel toed boots are not recommended. The boots should be good work boots with a sturdy sole. You will need the support for standing on the climbing tools. They can be composite toe. Line Boots have a support in the sole to distribute the weight throughout your foot. There are several brands from the most expensive to the cheapest: Whites, Wesco, Hoffman, Hawthorne, Halls, Carolina and there are some others. Logging boots and wildland firefighter boots work too!
Weather appropriate clothing; jeans, cotton shirts, long sleeve shirts, gloves (best: cow, elk, or deer leather. Pig leather is not recommended). Long sleeves and pants for climbing (splinters).
Math book and calculator; these will be available in person at the campus store.
Highlands College students are welcome to live on campus but are not required to do so. You can also seek your own housing accommodations. There is a Facebook group for students accepted into the program where you can meet fellow classmates to potentially room with. For more information about on-campus housing and dining options visit the following link. Students can apply for housing on their personal URL (PURL). https://www.mtech.edu/student-life/housing-dining/housing/
The program is one semester and is offered the Fall and Spring terms. Fall term begins in August and Spring term begins in January. Class is held Monday – Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. There is not class on Friday but many students use Fridays for driving time.
It depends on the utility or contractor and where they are located in the U.S.A., but the starting average is over $30 per hour for an apprentice. Students will have a chance to learn about interviews and resumes. We have personnel that will work with our students one on one as well. Our line program has information on apprenticeships and employers as well as employers who contact us with job opportunities and openings. The jobs are available but we do not apply or interview for the students, it is up to the student to take charge of their career.
Kyle Hintz
khintz1@mtech.edu
Adam Feuerborn
afeuerborn@mtech.edu
James Pearston
jpearston@mtech.edu
Please email campusvisits@mtech.edu or visit your personal URL (PURL) to schedule a visit to Montana Tech/Highlands College.
Our poles range from 40’ for the majority and a few 60 – 70’ poles.
There are program requirements specific to the Pre-Apprentice Line Program in addition to the Admissions requirements. Because students will be earning their CDL Class A, the following are required:
MVR: (Motor Vehicle or Driving record): no major violations withing the last 5 years (DUI, OVI-operating vehicle while impaired) and no more than 3 moving violations in 3 years.
CLP:
Please make every attempt to obtain your CLP (written permit) prior to the start date of the program. You must pass this written exam and obtain the CLP before you can start driving. You will utilize the exam scheduling portal and register individually. The link to schedule your exam is https://dojmt.gov/driving/appointments/.
Please note: you must be 18 years of age at the time you take the CDL written exam.
Items you will need for the exam:
Montana Residents:
- Current valid Montana driver’s license
- Current passport OR certified copy of your birth certificate showing U.S. citizenship
- DOT Physical
Out-of-State Students:
- Current valid driver’s license, which will be converted to a Montana license at the time of your written test
- Documentation showing where you reside in Montana – if you are staying in student housing, please contact myself or Breanna Jacobs bjacobs@mtech.edu for proof of residence
- Current passport OR certified copy of your birth certificate showing US citizenship
- DOT Physical
Drug Testing: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), along with the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that individuals subject to the CDL requirements follow alcohol and drug testing rules. DOT drug tests require laboratory testing (49 CFR Part 40 Subpart F) for the following classes of drugs:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiates – opium and codeine derivatives
- Amphetamines and methamphetamines
- Phencyclidine – PCP
- DOT alcohol tests identify alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater
The first day of class you will be provided a copy of the complete drug and alcohol compliance policy as required for the CDL training, however, this email shall serve as your official notice of mandatory drug testing. The test will be administered during the first week of class and notification of a positive drug test will result in immediate removal from the program. Failing to show up for the test or refusing to undergo testing will be treated the same as a positive result and you will be removed from the program immediately.
CDL Online Portal Enrollment: you will need to create an account for the CDL portion of the program.
We can answer your questions and help you get started.
406-496-4490