FAQ's
American Lineman College does have a competitive admissions process. Here are some steps you can take to strengthen your application:
Shine with a complete application: Make sure you thoroughly fill out all sections of the application and submit all required documents on time. Don't underestimate the importance of details – a complete and well-organized application shows professionalism and commitment.
Showcase your well-roundedness: Go beyond academics! Include your volunteer work in the community, extracurricular activities, sports participation, or any other relevant experiences that demonstrate your well-roundedness and transferable skills. Admissions officers look for well-adjusted individuals who can contribute positively to the industry.
Get to know the college: Consider scheduling a campus visit to meet the instructors and get a firsthand feel for the program. This demonstrates your genuine interest in American Lineman College and allows you to ask questions directly.
Bonus Tip: Research the utility industry and highlight your understanding of the field and the career path in your application. This shows initiative and a passion for the industry.
We understand the importance of planning for your future. That's why ALC offers a thoughtful admissions process designed to give you personalized attention and timely decisions, unlike the first-come, first-served approach. Here's what sets us apart:
Focus on Your Potential, Not Just Speed: Many schools use first-come, first-served approach which can reward early applications but may disadvantage qualified candidates who apply later. We take the time to carefully review each application, ensuring a fair and holistic evaluation that goes beyond just the date received.
Personalized Support: Throughout the admissions process, we offer dedicated resources and support to help you showcase your strengths. This could include application guidance, interview prep, or assistance with financial aid options.
Confident Decisions, Sooner: We aim to provide admissions decisions within a reasonable timeframe, allowing you to plan your future with certainty. You won't be left waiting on the edge of your seat until potentially all seats are filled.
By focusing on a thorough evaluation and personalized support, ALC empowers you to take control of your future.
American Lineman College (ALC), takes a rigorous and well-rounded approach to reviewing applications. Here's what you can expect:
Industry Expertise: Your application will be reviewed by a group that includes not just ALC staff, but at times will also include utility professionals from major utility and construction companies. This ensures a diverse perspective and aligns with the industry standards you'll encounter in your career.
Focus on Potential and Fit: We go beyond grades and test scores. Our review process considers your application holistically, evaluating factors like your academic record, relevant work experience, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. This helps us identify individuals with the dedication, skills, and work ethic to excel in our program and the utility industry.
Weighted Evaluation: While all aspects of your application are important, some factors may carry more weight. For instance, volunteer work demonstrates selfless service. Additionally, relevant work experience or a demonstrated passion for the industry by researching the trade can be highly valued.
By combining industry expertise with a focus on your potential and fit, ALC aims to build a strong and successful student body. We encourage you to showcase your strengths and qualifications throughout your application.
At American Lineman College (ALC), we have a competitive admissions process for one key reason: Your Success. We're committed to building a program with students who are highly motivated and well-prepared for the challenges and rewards of this rewarding career. Here's what a competitive admissions process means for you:
Focus on Quality, Not Just Numbers: We go beyond simply filling seats. By carefully selecting qualified students, we create a strong learning environment where everyone benefits from the collective skills and experiences of their peers.
Setting You Up for Success: Our admissions process helps us identify individuals with the potential to excel in our program and thrive in the utility industry. We are invested in your success and want to ensure you have the right foundation to build a fulfilling career.
Investing in Your Future: A competitive program attracts experienced and dedicated instructors who are passionate about training the next generation of linemen. This translates to a high-quality education that prepares you for the demands of the real world.
By focusing on quality over quantity, ALC is committed to giving you the best possible chance to succeed in our program and your chosen career path.
Becoming a Lineman is a rewarding, step-by-step journey, and we're your trusted guide for the first crucial steps. While a lineworker apprenticeship itself lasts 3-6 years, with American Lineman College's training, you'll be prepared to climb the apprenticeship ladder with a higher level of success than someone with no experience. We equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to get your foot in the door faster, bypassing the steep learning curve. In today's competitive job market, having no training makes it tough to secure employment. We take you from being a beginner to a highly sought-after candidate, positioning you for success in securing entry level, groundman or apprentice positions.
Here's the reality: Without training, the door to linework can be tough to crack. That's where we come in. We supercharge your entry by providing the crucial foundation that sets you apart.
Recent VA Policy and Lineman Schools: There has been a change in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) policy regarding veteran education benefits (Isakson and Roe Act Section 1015). Previously, accreditation was a factor for program approval. However, a 2021 revision now requires schools using GI Bill to be approved for Title IV funding (government financial aid). Impact on Lineman Schools: This policy shift has impacted shorter programs like those at “lineman schools”. Most schools have withdrawn or are in the process of withdrawing accreditation, in order to maintain their VA program approval and continue offering GI Bill and other benefits to veterans and their families. At this time ALC has chosen not to pursue accreditation so that our veterans have the opportunity to use their benefits in the future.
Yes, ALC highly recommends purchasing your own tools.
Purchasing Your Own Tools:
Owning your own tools gives you greater flexibility and independence.
Demonstrates to employers you are committed to this industry.
Average Tool Kit Cost:
Expect to spend between $2,500 and $3,500 on a tool kit. While the initial cost can be significant, reputable vendors like J Harlem, Farwest Line Specialties and JL Matthews offer financing options to help ease the burden.
J Harlen has setup a webpage to make the process easy for the student. To view and obtain tools, visit: https://www.jharlen.com
Each student's career path is unique, influenced by factors like family, location, and preferred companies (contractor, utility, etc.), therefore, rather than job placement, ALC prioritizes empowering students with career planning tools and strategies to align with their individual needs and goals.
ALC provides resources to make this journey achievable:
National network: Access a comprehensive listing of major utility and construction companies across the country.
Career development essentials: All students master crafting professional resumes and cover letters through ALC's Career Planning & Strategies course. This course also equips them with essential skills like identifying job openings, interview presentation, and pre-employment test success.
To ensure tuition costs remain low and affordable for all students, ALC has chosen to not participate in Title IV government funding for students, however; ALC does accept various financing/funding options through various funding and scholarship organizations. Please contact the admissions department to learn more: admissions@Lineman-School.com.
Beginning January 1, ALC will become the only pre-apprentice lineworker training school in the nation to integrate the Wonderlic assessment into its admissions process. This step reinforces our commitment to student success, workforce readiness, and industry excellence.
The Wonderlic measures problem-solving, comprehension, and decision-making—key skills that directly affect training outcomes and on-the-job performance. By introducing this assessment, we’re strengthening our admissions standards to ensure that only individuals with the aptitude, focus, and determination to succeed are accepted into our rigorous pre-apprentice and groundman programs.
For students, the assessment not only identifies your learning strengths and areas for growth, but also allows our instructors to create individualized lessons and customized training plans tailored to your needs. It enhances your competitiveness in the hiring process by giving future employers confidence in your capability, readiness, and commitment to the trade.
For human resource teams and hiring managers, the Wonderlic provides an additional layer of objective insight—helping you evaluate candidates with confidence that ALC graduates are prepared, capable, and ready to contribute from day one.
At ALC, we take our responsibility seriously—to our students, their families, and the companies who hire them. This assessment helps ensure we’re selecting, training, and graduating the individuals who will power America’s future.