NEAT lineman apprenticeship

First Monday, 8:00 a.m. Eastern, 30 per area

NEAT’s application opens on the first Monday of each month at 8:00 a.m. Eastern and takes a maximum of 30 applications per area per month. Have everything scanned and ready the night before.

The test: pass with a 3

After you apply you’re scheduled for a monthly test with math and reading comprehension sections, scored 0 to 9 by a third party. “In order to pass, you must get at least a 3.” Below 3, you wait six months to re-apply. The fee is $25. The ranked list after the interview is “entirely based upon score and not the timing of your interview.”

Boot Camp and the climbing test

Before Boot Camp: DOT physical, drug test, background and driving-record checks. Boot Camp runs six to eight consecutive weekends, unpaid, and you must pass a climbing test in the first 40 hours or the apprenticeship agreement is cancelled. Budget for year one: $545 for online access and materials, and $1,000 to $3,000 for tools. See what climbing tests involve.

The one program that says Class B works

NEAT is the only program that states it accepts a Class B: Class A or Class B CDL with air brakes, plus an “M” endorsement if you live in New York. It doesn’t list its “10 state jurisdiction” on its site; a line-school listing names NY, NJ, ME, DE, RI, CT, PA, VT, NH and MA. Confirm with NEAT at (610) 326-2860.

What the job pays

Union journeyman lineman rates in NEAT’s states come from federal prevailing-wage determinations, which adopt the local union’s negotiated rate. Apprentices start at 60% of the journeyman rate and reach 90% by the last step (60 / 65 / 70 / 75 / 80 / 85 / 90%).

New York · New Jersey · Delaware · Pennsylvania · Massachusetts