25 Basin Creek Road, Butte, MT  59701

(406) 496-3716 or (800) 445-TECH

 

Pre-Apprenticeship Line Program

 

This one-semester certificate program prepares students to be successful in applying for groundmen and apprentice positions within the line trade.  It was developed in response to a nation-wide shortage of skilled line workers.  A recent survey of the Montana utility industry indicates that there will be a significant need (40-50 new apprentice positions per year) for individuals holding skills offered by this training for at least the next decade, and the industry expects that this trend will continue for the foreseeable future.

 

The program is limited to 25 new students per semester. Admission to the College of Technology does not guarantee admission to the Pre-Apprenticeship Line Program.  The following criteria must be met before admission will be granted to the Lineman Program.

  1.  Application date. Initial admission to the program is based on a first-come/first-served process.  The first 25 individuals who apply for a specific semester will have a slot reserved pending submission of the remaining items listed below (numbers 2-5).
  2. Commercial Driver’s License (A) training permit. This is obtained by passing the written portion of the CDL(A) examination.  Students may contact their local DMV office to obtain a study booklet and schedule the written exam.  A copy of the Learner’s permit must be submitted to the Enrollment Services Office.
  3. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination.  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 Enrollment Services Office (address below).  Please keep your original card.
  4. Math placement. Applicants must show proof of math proficiency. This can be accomplished by fulfilling one of the following math requirements:

·         Completing the math portion of the COMPASS placement test. Students must test into the College of Technology’s Math 0101 (Introduction to Algebra) course.  Call 496-3745 to schedule the COMPASS.  To prepare, review the concepts of fractions, decimals, percents, signed numbers, and order of operations before test day.

·         Submitting a college transcript showing a grade of a C or better in a math course completed within the last 2 years.

·         Providing proof of ACT or SAT scores within the last two years with a minimum ACT math score of 18 or SAT math score of 450.

  1. Age. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age before the first 8 weeks of the semester of study are complete.

 

These items must be submitted to the Montana Tech Enrollment Services Office (1300 W. Park St.) before December 15th (for Spring entry) and July 15th (for Fall entry).  If an applicant feels they will not meet the criteria for acceptance into the Pre-Apprenticeship Line Program, they should notify the Enrollment Services Office immediately so their slot can be opened for another applicant.

The approximate cost of the 16-week course equals $4200 for Montana residents and $6600 for out-of state residents.  Applicants from western states should contact Michelle Tauscher (information below) for details about the WUE scholarship.  Certain western states participate in this reciprocity agreement that can reduce the cost of out-of-state tuition.  Students must show proof of health insurance or purchase the college’s insurance for an additional $704.  Individuals who wish to live in the residence halls at Montana Tech are invited to do so, although College of Technology students are not required to live on campus.  The cost for room/board for one semester on campus equals approximately $3000.

 

All individuals who apply to Montana Tech should also complete the following:

  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility for federal financial aid.  The FAFSA can be found online at www.FAFSA.ED.GOV  or Jim Griffin at (406) 496-3720 is available to provide assistance. 

 

Students in the training will need to supply their work clothes and boots, but all other equipment including specialty tools, belts, certification costs, etc. will be covered in the cost of the program.  Upon final selection of participants, determined by completion of the items listed on the previous page, students will be notified how to purchase the appropriate boots and measurements will be requested for the purchase of the required work belt. 

 

Participants in the program must not have a fear of heights and should have good manual dexterity skills and like to work outdoors in changing weather conditions.  The first two weeks of training will include intensive pole work.  If, during the first two weeks of training, an individual determines this is not an appropriate working environment for them, a refund of course fees will be provided. 

 

Students will also have the opportunity to earn the following certifications:

  • Commercial Driver’s License
  • Pole Climbing
  • Flagger Training
  • First Aid

This one semester program includes the following courses:

LINE   0100    Introduction to the Utility Industry               2

LINE   0110    Math for the Utility Industry                        6

LINE   0120    Electrical for the Utility Industry                  3

LINE   0130    Safety and Certifications                             3

LINE   0140    Pole Yard                                                16

                        Total                                                        30

 

Because of the unusual credit requirements for this one-semester program, students will attend classes 40 hours per week.  Individuals should be prepared to attend and participate in courses just as they would a full-time job.

 

For additional information, please contact Michelle Tauscher at mtauscher@mtech.edu or (406) 496-3716.  To contact the Enrollment Services Office, call 496-4266.

 

 

 

Rev. 3/08