LINEMAN TRAINING Learning to Climb a Pole like a Lineman - Tennessee Valley Uncharted

Erick visits a lineman training camp to try his hand at climbing a pole and learns what it takes to do this difficult job and keep the lights on.
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Tennessee Valley Uncharted is a show following Erick Baker and Aerial Nicole as they experience activities and places you might never knew existed, from world-class outdoor adventures to the people and cultural opportunities that make the Tennessee Valley so special.
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#linemantraining #poleclimbing #apprenticelineman #tennesseevalley #tnvalleyuncharted #TVU #TVA
Credits:
Host: Erick Baker
Executive Creative Director: Joseph Nother
Executive Producer: Taylor Walters
Director of Photography: Cody Walters
Producers: Kristin Majni, Adam Wigren, Emily Bullen
Writers: Taylor Walters
Camera Op: Matthew Rogers
Sound: Carlos Aranguren
Post Production Supervisor: Michael Cummins
Editor: Ian LaPierre
Sound Editor: Mike Dearing
Special Thanks To:
PC Rhymer
Jeremy Swafford
Additional Thanks To:
Auralation Music
CaptionLink
Tennessee Valley Uncharted is a co-production by Designsensory, PopFizz, and Tennessee Valley Authority.

[@twilllinemanforhire6266]

Climbing is only hard at first. Once you get the hang its actually fun!

[@erikhope8315]

I agree, once you learn the techniques it saves alot of energy, and you become alot more confident performing tasks.

[@edwinblackburn3292]

To me strolling around is impossible,Put me on 85 class 0 interstate roadcross pole,,kicked back like the Marlboro Man....

[@BabylonGateLA]

How easy is it to fall down?

[@twilllinemanforhire6266]

@@BabylonGateLA everyone burns a pole.

[@sparky6218]

Is it easy to get over fear of heights to climb?

[@zflyz7136]

“Beers on me” lmao everyone got down immediately 😂

[@ghalgren]

I spent 42 years in my belt and hooks. In my early days, the bucket went to the "old boys". I waited many years to get my turn in one. I never regretted even one day of linework. I'd do it all over again!

[@jblabs8651]

Do this work is actually dangerous or not ? I'm about to get hired but I'm scared not going to deny it

[@ghalgren]

@@jblabs8651 oh hell yes! Make one wrong decision and you're done. Training, skills, education, following directions, and attitude keep you safe. Be safe.

[@dougdiplacido2406]

Kudos to the lineworkers who keep our power going. It is a tough but rewarding job.

[@twilllinemanforhire6266]

Being a lineman isnt only a job.. its a way of life!

[@dankallew4781]

Place where i live, as a lineman you make only 800 euros per month :(

[@dougdiplacido2406]

@@Bananahammock88 Most linemen i know do like the money but also like the job.

[@gilt4523]

@@Bananahammock88 Reallly?? Mann. I'm a chippie and if that's the case I'm quitting. lol

[@BabylonGateLA]

@@twilllinemanforhire6266 Why you say that?

[@72floyd]

When I became a lineman I went to climbing school and thought...not so bad. I got back and the journeymen had me go up every pole just for the heck of it..and I was like no problem. It was a workout but nothing I couldn't handle. What's the big deal? Then we did URD work and they handed me a shovel. Made climbing like a day off.

[@LangoUsDavidLango]

Thank you for getting up the pole Erick, kudos. It is not an easy occupation, and it's not for everyone. It is probably going to be one of the few good paying careers that will never be replaced by robots or automation in the future. If you don't might physically demanding work, it is a good career choice. Already, there is a high demand for this skill set, and it's going to increase going forward, because a large percentage of the linemen are retiring like I just did.

[@TheNWSCOTT]

its very hard but rewarding houston just raised their pay 4 years it will be up to 45 dollars an hour and we work 50-70 hours a week

[@TheNWSCOTT]

journeyman 41.83 as of 9-2-19

[@br9760]

That's why I intend to get into it. In my city, a certain company will provide pensions. Do other companies do this?

[@jacobjensen4697]

​@TheNWSCOTT I'm going through climbing school now. Been in telecommunications and eventually going to look to make the switch to power. I'm in Houston. Any words of advice would be appreciated

[@jamesspash5561]

omg, I thought I was the only one looking at power lines while on vacation!!

[@Bobsdecline]

Excellent video guys !

[@GLITCH12349]

I’m actually suprised he didn’t cut out. Sure is breathing heavy though. 🤣 it makes u nervous at first so you waste a lot of energy just worrying...did good though👍

[@rhymeandreasoning]

Does not look easy at all. Loads of admiration and respect to linemen

[@jonathanwillard663]

Used to be no bucksqueeze. Just a strap around a pole. Used to be no climbing school. You put the hooks and belt on and either did it or not. It's an uncanny feeling being 90 foot up a pole with one strap slung around the pole and two spikes keeping you from falling. Then you have to do the work knowing that's all that's keeping you from falling, 2 spikes. Cut out and hit the ground. I've done it. Didn't care for the 50 footers and up, interstate/railroad crossings. You gotta have 100 percent confidence in yourself that you won't cut out. The new gear makes linework easier, much much easier. When I did it there's nothing to keep you from falling but YOU.

[@rhymeandreasoning]

@@jonathanwillard663 Hey there. That was some great insight. Thanks for that reply. I watch a lot of linemen videos. Blows me away each time I watch one. As I mentioned before I have mega loads of admiration and respect for them. Tough and dangerous job. I wish more linemen would post their stories about being a lineman or having been a lineman. I like hearing and knowing their experiences. Being a lineman is a total fantasy job for me. I ain't ever going to be one, but if I could ever be one, I would like to be. For now, I just admire y'all. My best to you from Canada

[@InterestingInmates]

I'm in the school right now for this, I highly recommend it, there's a review on my channel if anyone has questions about the school!

[@InterestingInmates]

@Brad Morrison northwest lineman college

[@Trataylor713]

How did u get over your fear of height bro? I’m a apprentice now about to go climb soon

[@Beast9894]

@@Trataylor713 Can you answer your own question now? Guessing you just forget about being afraid of heights in the first place??

[@zooyorkskater442]

@@Beast9894 not sure if youre still wondering but it slowly goes away. everyone in my class was scared of heights for about 2 weeks. once you start working up top and learn to really trust your fall protection, you’ll stop worrying about heights. dont let your fear of heights stop you because i was terrified beforehand.

[@BabylonGateLA]

@@InterestingInmates Hey man how was Northwest Lineman College? I’m thinking of attending the CA location! The only thing stopping me is the 20k tho lol

[@georgew.5639]

Physical conditioning is very important. Good job. 😊

[@jgbarre]

Throwing a basketball...LOL did that 50 years ago when I was in lineman school!

[@albertr3005]

Good training for beginner, I watched the video.

[@pawanroat2235]

I like this type of jobs

[@internal_dialogue9290]

Climbing is just the way to get to the work. He’s a good sport

[@yeahzeeroo]

thank you for this inexperienced experience.

[@AnilKumar-gn7ep]

Very good, hardworking...

[@justinlorenzana2935]

Man y’all get some thick poles to learn/practice on! I went to NLC California campus and some of the poles are pencils

[@jamesspash5561]

wow how we learned, drop the part and you have to climb down and get it.

[@woodhook]

43 years of free climbing. Couldn't get used to the Squeeze

[@bentegoranson7865]

Vegan??

[@sloughdog9480]

agreed, its like they de nutted the lineman w all that equipment

[@vengatsoori1868]

Very very good video good video good video learning to you

[@owenleong149]

This is some serious power needed to climb fast

[@gtavlossantosisadriverstown]

And it's funny because the guys that want to climb will deliberately not catch the ball lol

[@gtavlossantosisadriverstown]

Yeah you like that dontcha LOL

[@dirtmoin5211]

What apprenticeship does your state offer?

[@Tkm112093evadell]

His voice sounds like a teenage Mathew McConaughey 😂

[@javarriusjeffries2094]

Thi climbed the 90 I lived ever but of it and class in Scott’s Alabamba

[@roquri]

BTDT. That is a workout like hardly anything else. Up and down one of those poles every 5 minutes, and see how long it takes to get smoked.

[@schiavo6139]

Como chama esse equipamento e onde encontro para comprar? Achei interessante o cinto.

[@dirtmoin5211]

Ola carlos yo tengo uno nuevo $625

[@jolyonwelsh9834]

What is the name of the song and the group at 4:03?

[@rantheman8589]

I want to join an apprenticeship program but am told I have to pay to go to a climbing school first. I’m close to dirt poor so you see how that is not a easy choice for me. I guess I’ll find another trade if I have more obstacles to overcome

[@luxdam2180]

I about to finish high school I’m try to become a lineman and I’m happy to see it and hear from someone trying

[@br9760]

Same here.

[@kylefreudenthal7069]

About to finish line school, if you have any questions let me know

[@matthewbaker1662]

well im only gonna be a junior this year but im at a new hs as i moved to a new state and we a have a whole new part of the school that has a big area to learn a bunch of trades and idk if they have anything thissss big but they definitely have electrician stuff so if i can somehow get into that or something that would be good for this and maybe even a couple more trades if you're allowed to then im gonna do that then try to become a lineman

[@matthewbaker1662]

@@kylefreudenthal7069 i would just like to know everything you've done to get to the end like how u get to line school what got u into it basics too like did youre school have the stuff mine did....did u go to a tech college??

[@kylefreudenthal7069]

Matthew Baker is there a way I can pm you by email I’d like to talk to you on the phone

[@Green-he6ht]

Is climbing poles harder or more easy than trees

[@knarftrakiul3881]

Don't know why they still use spikes. I switched to wrap around style of climbers. Similar to the self climbing deer stand. More comfortable

[@otselnik]

Хотел бы рассмотреть шипы повнимательнее, почему то не показали.

[@digibyteorjustnibble9486]

Buck squeeze is not 100 percent fall protection. I fell 18 feet in Charleston WV while wearing the buck squeeze.At Frontier Communications.

[@BabylonGateLA]

Did you die?

[@elyadrian8871]

Only reason that would happen would be that you did not have your green snug close to the pole. The more space you have between the pole and the green the more you are gonna fall

[@buzaroh767]

I wanna go to train there!

[@TheNWSCOTT]

where you at you got a cdl come to houston ibew get on as groundman or pre apprentice free training

[@buzaroh767]

Yes I hold a cdl what local would it out of?

[@buzaroh767]

I’m out of Los Angeles CA

[@TheNWSCOTT]

@@buzaroh767 its faster to get in here but apply now because theyre getting tired of people from west coast coming here to train and leaving so pretty soon theyre going to start taking less and less people from california

[@buzaroh767]

Understandable thanks for the heads up!

[@LizardMane]

damn how tall are those poles?

[@LizardMane]

4th day of climbing. i have experienced true fear but i dont wanna giv up any advice to get over the fear and trust my equipment?

[@yimcu5169]

hey man. question. i gotta do this on monday. any advise or suggestions? my hands are sweating just by watching

[@joshabernathy]

​@yimcu5169 Did you have to take a climbing assessment for TVA?

[@jakechimiak9626]

Most companies use buckets now

[@vladshvets6556]

Those are some of the thickest and unrealistic poles I’ve seen lol

[@sethburgin5994]

The Buck Squeeze is a piece of crap. Give me the Cinch Lock any day. I still have a few Buchanan Buck Squeezes that I made "disappear" so we could get Cinch Locks. We threw Buck Squeezes into rivers, streams, streets, trash cans, etc. until someone finally caught on.

[@dillanglover107]

What kinda pokes they usin’?? I’m climbing 60 footers that are pencils compared to these monsters! Y’all ain’t gotta worry about y’alls quarters I guess just step in and you’re good to go...

[@joshuacooper4438]

gmanpsychojr _ those jokers are thick ain’t they!

[@twilllinemanforhire6266]

lol... Pencils...you must be in the sticks? Those are some big poles though

[@arinokchalongchari6345]

I'm sorry to say but we didn't even saw a safety belt being a lineman I wish to work with all your gears but in India it's impossible... We got a hang on to the Moto incredible India or impossible In India

[@lairdt]

I’m in lineman school right now and we just had day 1 of climbing and my fear of heights kicks in at around 10-12ft. How can I overcome this fear and be able to climb all 45ft of the pole?

[@lairdt]

@RoBoT 24 I just started my 2nd semester and I have reached the top of the pole a decent amount of times. I have been miles more comfortable than when I first started but I’m not anywhere close to where I want to be and my anxiety still kicks in. However, I know that as long as I continue to work hard and keep at this that it will be worth it in the end. If you are considering going to line school, just know it is a hell of a battle and it’s not easy. But in the end it is worth it. You do have to get a cdl license and I’m almost halfway done with my cdl class myself. If you are scared of heights don’t be discouraged. You will get comfortable the more you climb the pole. Don’t give up and keep trying your absolute best and you will succeed.

[@lairdt]

@RoBoT 24 I recommend working out your legs and just build more strength. But the big thing I sure as hell recommend is, try to go rock climbing or something else that will get you comfortable being up at that height. If you can start off line school already comfortable that is an advantage.

[@Rich222]

@@lairdtlol I feel you on that first comment. What do you think now? Or how did you feel upon graduation of the course? I’m currently in school as well and I’m graduating in 5 days and after getting so much repetition in doing this and also while working overhead the thought of possibly falling just left my mind. I could care less now and I try to get in the most efficient working position up top now 😂🤘🏽

[@jamesspash5561]

a belt swing up should be three steps, as I was taught.

[@thehashslingingslasher8554]

I do it every step and never stop moving the whole time, I wasn’t taught to do it like that but after working in the industry for a while you realize that it’s the best way to get up the pole

[@johnharveyalcorin295]

👍⚡⚡⚡⚡

[@brianpayne4549]

Gotta get some creosote on that bare flesh lol

[@brianpayne4549]

The biggest issue, if you fall, get right back to it: don’t pack your stuff up, and go home.

[@vmtenn]

Smaller steps would help

[@landon7080]

it wouldn’t be so hard for him if he wasn’t over stepping 😂 putting way more stress on his legs and higher up to pull your weight

[@pawanroat2235]

Can you hire me

[@br9760]

What happens if you encounter an angry bird of prey?

[@ProdigalSon-xn2om]

You stare at it so intensely that it goes phase to phase.

[@aaaaaaaa6685]

ProdigalSon3721 power move

[@poet_stowage4574]

You carry a paintball gun and start shooting.

[@samschannel531]

Accept your fate

[@speedraser2605]

I love the fact that the alcoholic did not coach him more than he needed to be coached. Quiet alcoholics are the best alcoholics. The alcoholics will sneak around together and go behind closed doors and make shit up. I keep my papper work, prints and permits locked up and I keep a nine millimeter handy for Mr. Alcoholic.

[@donblackmon9999]

Nobody free climbs anymore?

[@flatenboi85]

Not allowed where I'm at

[@elyadrian8871]

It is unsafe. If your employer catches you free climbing you will be fired

[@pahanpahan8093]

Museum equipment. It not safety today