FPL-MDCPS Post-High School Apprentice Line Specialist Program

YOU can potentially earn at least $30 per hour as an FPL Line Specialist. Read this document to learn more.

To register for the next open house in 2008, please call 305-558-8000.

We will contact you when the next recruitment cycle begins in Spring of 2008.

Timeline

• April 2008 Recruitment/Open House 

About the Program

Program Requirements
Program Completion
What is a Line Specialist? 

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About the Program

FPL and Miami-Lakes Educational Center (MLEC) has formed a partnership to offer a one year program for eligible high school graduates that will prepare them for employment in the electric industry as a qualified line specialist.

The instruction involves classroom and outdoor hands-on activities related to pole climbing and overhead/underground power line construction and maintenance. Students will NOT be exposed to energized lines.

Students are instructed by FPL/IBEW line specialists.  All instructors are certified by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

• Be 18 years old or older
• Have a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Pass the Construction and Skilled Trades Test (CAST)
• Sign and have notarized a Hold-Harmless Agreement
• Pass 45-minute FPL Program Interview
• Pass a Drug Test, Background Check, and a Depth/Perception Eye Exam. 
• Pass the 3-week Climbing School at FPL Training and Methods Center. All climbing equipment will be provided.
• Pay one-year tuition of approximately $2,800.00 to Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC) and approximately $15 per school year (2 payments) for student insurance (Go to Financial Aid).
• Pay $400 for personal supplies such as climbing boots, climber pads/straps and tool belt. These will be used for the classroom training that will start in September 2007.
• Attend one-year classroom and hands-on training at FPL (Monday-Friday, 7 AM - 3:30 PM). 
• Participants are NOT PAID for the one-year training. 

Program Completion

After you successfully complete the one-year program, you will:

• Receive college credits toward an Associate Degree from Miami-Dade Community College

• Be eligible to be hired as FPL employees to complete the second part of the training program where they will become an FPL STEP Apprentice earning at least $22 per hour

After you successfully complete the second part of the program, you will:

• Be eligible to be hired as an FPL Line Specialist earning at least $30 per hour.

What is a Line Specialist?

A Line Specialist (also referred to as an Electrical Line Worker):

• Builds and maintains overhead power lines and/or lays underground cable from beyond the substation to the customer’s location, either residential or commercial
   

• Must be able to perform strenuous physical duties
   

• Must operate various heavy equipment such as trucks, backhoes and be able to use and properly care for various types of tools (e.g. gas, electric, hydraulic etc)
   

• Spends most of the time outdoors working in direct sunlight or at night and sometimes exposed to inclement weather
   

• May work alone or as a member of a crew for more than 8 hrs per day, 5 days a week including after hours and weekends
   

• Must have strong communication skills, be an effective team player, follow job specific safety rules, and be able to respond proactively to meet the customer’s needs.
  
  (Refer to the Minimum Job Requirements document for a detailed list of physical tasks that a line specialist performs)