Some of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to become a lineworker include being able to:

  • Understand and follow safety rules.
  • Be particularly alert in observing hazards and avoiding accidents.
  • Communicate effectively and interact with a team.
  • Work in extreme weather, including, extreme heat and cold
  • Perform physical tasks, including digging, and pulling, pushing, carrying and lifting.
  • Safely operate trucks and heavy equipment and safely work around energized lines and equipment.
  • Work at heights for extended periods of time.
  • Be willing and able to meet the public in a pleasant and tactful manner.

Everyday functions for lineworkers include installing and maintaining electrical components such as poles, transformers and power lines.

A normal day for a lineworker is filled with performing regular maintenance, upgrades and repairs to the electrical grid and distribution lines. On top of the routine work is the threat of extreme weather impacts, from thunderstorms and ice storms to tornados and hurricanes, damaging the system and requiring lineworkers and their support crews to be called out in the night, on the weekends and even holidays to ensure our customers continue to receive safe and reliable energy.

Sometimes our crews assist in restoration efforts as part of reciprocal agreements across our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, as well as utility companies in other states when needed.

We asked some of our most experienced team members what qualities they think make a great lineworker, here’s what they had to say:

“They need to have heart and a love for their fellow workers. In linework, it’s not about you, it’s about the person next to you. You give it your all for them and they do the same for you.”

“Detailed-oriented, a great work ethic, and care about serving customers.”

“You have to love the outdoors and enjoy the challenges of the hands-on work. Linework takes a great amount of integrity to work safe and protect their coworkers at all times.” 

“Dedication to the craft and willingness to constantly learn.”

“Unselfish, committed to safe work rules and able to work in extreme weather.”

Where to start

To apply for the program, search “apprentice” at jobs.entergy.com for position openings that require no lineworker experience, or “journeyman” if you have previous applicable experience.

Qualifications: 

  • Apprentice 1st Year: Completion of an accredited Lineworker Training program OR prior demonstrated linework experience required
  • Apprentice 2nd Year:  2+ years demonstrated linework experience required
  • Apprentice 3rd Year: 3+ years demonstrated linework experience required
  • Apprentice 4th Year:  4+ years demonstrated linework experience required
  • Lineman 1st Class:  5 years of lineman experience

Education partnerships:

Entergy has relationships with several schools within our territory that offer lineworker programs, including:

Louisiana

Mississippi

Texas

  • More information to come.

Arkansas

Additional