Overview
Electrical power line and cable workers construct, maintain and repair overhead and underground electrical power transmission and distribution systems. They are employed by electric power generation, transmission and distribution companies, electrical contractors and public utility commissions. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems including overhead and underground power lines and cables, insulators, conductors, lightning arrestors, switches, transformers and other associated equipment
Erect and maintain steel, wood or concrete poles, towers and guy wires
Splice, solder and insulate conductors and related wiring to connect power distribution and transmission networks using splicing tools, related electrical equipment and tools
Inspect and test overhead and underground power lines and cables and auxiliary equipment using electrical test equipment
Climb ladders or operate hydraulic buckets when working aloft on poles and towers, or work in confined spaces such as trenches and tunnels to install power lines and cables and associated equipment
Install and maintain street lighting systems
Communicate with other workers to coordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$83,424
$102,194
$118,879
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
179expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a provincial three- or four-year lineman/woman apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in electrical technology is usually required for electrical power line and cable workers.
Trade certification for powerline technicians is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Electrical power line and cable workers in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Powerline Technicians
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Electrical power line and cable workers in B.C.
- Powerline Technician Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Powerline Technicians
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a powerline technician in B.C., you will need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Powerline Technician Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No programs available in B.C.
There are currently no apprenticeships offered at public post-secondary institutions in B.C. that will qualify you for this career. To see foundation programs, click here.