Program Overview
MCC Campus(es): MCC-Business & Technology
Program Coordinator: Susan Blaser, 816.604.5613
This is a full-time year-long program that begins each June. New cohorts of approximately 40 students are accepted. Applications will be accepted through April 1st. The applicant will attend one of three evaluation camps during the selection process into the program.
Applicants from August, September and October will attend the November camp. November, December and January applicants will attend the February camp. January, February, March, and April applicants will attend the April camp. Early applications will receive priority status during the review process. Applications may continue to be accepted until all seats in the program have been filled for the next summer class.
Once accepted you will be sized for your climbing belt (that we will furnish) and required to purchase your climbing boots. The students will receive a discount from West Coast Boots for this purchase.
Description
The program, which only starts once a year in the summer, begins with a one-year certificate. You can then go on to get an associate's degree (with four additional classes) for transfer. The program is fine tuned to meet real-world needs. Three utility companies, Evergy (KCPL), Independence Power & Light, and Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, are on the MCC-BTC advisory board for course content.
Degree(s) and/or Certificate(s) Offered
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about the program? Read the answers to our frequently asked questions.
What You'll Learn
You will learn to install and remove poles, conductors, cables and equipment used in electrical power and distribution systems. You also will learn to build single stations and three phase transformer banks off the pole.
What You'll Do and Where You'll Work
You can work as a power lineworker, journeyman lineworker, substation technician, cable splicer, utility worker and much more. Our alumni work at electrical utility companies across the region.
What You'll Make
Those who work in an apprenticeship (typically for the first four years at a utility company) make about $75,000 per year. Once you complete the apprenticeship and become a journeyman lineworker, you can make $100,000 or more per year.
If you want to find out if a career as a line technician is for you, start by taking the Center for Energy Workforce Development's career quiz. You should then contact an academic advisor at MCC-Business & Technology by calling 816.604.1000 to discuss your next steps.
Creating Opportunities: Meet Cole
A graduate of Lathrop High School, Cole Riffle balanced the Lineman program, a nearly full-time job, and caring for family members to pursue a career in line work. In the process he made a mark on his classmates and the MCC-Business & Technology campus while jumpstarting his career. Cole is currently an apprentice at Evergy (KCPL). Read Cole's success story.
Creating Opportunities: Meet Brandon
From retail management to lineman. Brandon Orr moved from Los Angeles to Kansas City five years ago, the first in a series of changes that have improved his life. Brandon enrolled in the Lineman program in 2013, jumpstarting a career that includes his current position at Evergy (KCPL). Read Brandon's success story.