Apprentice Lineworker Program
NEPPA offers a four-year curriculum of the Northwest Lineman College’s Lineworker Certification Program and combines hands-on and formal classroom training. Students attend class four times a year for four days each to complete the four-year program.
Eligibility: To enroll, student must be currently employed at a public power utility or contractor and be 18 years of age prior to the commencement of the program.
In addition to classroom time, students are expected to:
- Self-study by reading the material
- Track, record, and submit monthly apprenticeship reports of on-the-job training
- Track, record and submit quarterly “competency” forms
Skill Assessment Rodeo:
Each year, students participate in a Skills Assessment Rodeo. The Apprentice Rodeo is designed to showcase the apprentices’ developing technical and climbing skills, and to reinforce the program’s focus on professionalism, safety, and proper technique.
The NEPPA line school has a tremendous curriculum, with even better instructors. This program has allowed me to further my knowledge and build relationships within other utilities. It is a program that fosters knowledge and helps to guide both our skills and knowledge. Highly recommend this institute.
Attending Neppa Lineman School has been an incredible experience that taught me so much, both technically and personally. I gained hands-on knowledge about electrical systems, safety procedures, and teamwork, all of which gave me a real understanding of what it takes to be a skilled lineman. The instructors were supportive and dedicated, always pushing me to do my best and preparing me for real-world challenges. I truly appreciate the opportunity to learn from such knowledgeable professionals and to be part of a program that builds confidence, skill, and pride in this important trade.
The NEPPA training is a great jumpstart to getting into line work. Was very easy to make friends during my years here. The instructors make it very easy to learn and understand what I’ll be doing forever.
2025 Course Schedule
Please note the dates are subject to change.
Tuesday-Thursday classes are in-person and held at NEPPA’s Training Center at 200 New Estate Rd. Littleton MA, unless otherwise noted below. Friday classes are testing days held virtually on zoom.
2026 Apprentice Schedule
Year I:
Group A: Jan. 27 – 30; Mar. 31 – Apr. 3; Jul. 21 – Jul 24; Sept. 29 – Oct 2
Group B: Feb. 3 – 6; Apr. 7 – 10; July 28-31; Oct. 6 – 9
Year II:
Group A: Feb. 10 – 13; Apr. 21 – 24 (Plymouth, NH); Aug. 4 – 7; Oct. 20 – 23
Group B: Feb. 17 – 20; Apr. 28 – May 1 (Plymouth, NH); Aug. 11 – 14; Oct. 27 – 30
Year III:
Group A: Mar. 3 -6; May 5 – 8; Sept. 1 – 4 (Pascoag, RI); Nov. 3 – 6
Group B: Mar. 10-13; May 19 – 22; Sept. 15 – 18 (Pascoag, RI); Nov. 17 – 20
Year IV: Mar. 17 – 20; June 2 – 5; Sep. 22 – 25; Dec. 1 – 3
Apprentice Lineworker Skills Assessment Rodeo
June 17 – 18, 2026
More details on this event to come
Apprentice Lineworker Program Graduation (Class of 2026)
December 3, 2026
More details on this event to come
2026 Program Make-Up Schedule
The following “Make-Up Days” are scheduled for any student who needs to make-up missed time in the program and/or conduct competencies for the program. If you need to attend a make-up session, please contact us to register at training@neppa.org or 978-540-2200. The fee for make-ups is $125 per session, per student.
| June 23 – Hands-on (for years 1 and 2) | November 9 – Hands-on (for years 1 and 2) | |
| June 24 – Hands-on (for years 3 and 4) | November 10 – Hands-on (for years 3 and 4) | |
– For written exam make-ups contact NEPPA directly to schedule –
Program Details
Location
In-person sessions are held at the NEPPA Training Center:*
NEPPA Training Center
200 New Estate Road
Littleton, MA 01460
*Students in Years 2 & 3 may be asked to travel to a differing location 1-2 times per year in an effort to provide variety in curriculum and practice yards.
Program is also offered in New York. Please contact NEPPA at (978) 540-2200 or training@neppa.org for more information.
Virtual testing is a important piece of this program. Please ensure every student has an active email address and access to a computer or personal device in order to fully participate in the program.
Course Length & Time
4 days/week; 4 weeks per year
Class time per day (8:00 am – 2:00 pm)
Topics Covered & Prerequisites
Year One
Topics Covered: Introduction to power delivery; safety; working in elevated positions; knots, splices and rope; electrical systems; first aid; applied mathematics; basic electrical theory; transformer basics; and 29 CFR 1910.269 (Parts A, B, C, G, I, K, N)
Prerequisite: It is recommended that students new to the program be pre-qualified, either through their utility or through NEPPA’s Lineworker Pre- Qualification Program.
All Year One Students are required to complete a special enrollment form online with the Northwest Lineman College, including a “Readiness Assesment”.
Year Two
Topics Covered: Safety; AC fundamentals; personal protective grounding; live line equipment and methods; rigging; underground conductors; overhead conductors; electrical test equipment; substations; and 29 CFR 1910.269 (Parts H, J, L, M, R)
Prerequisite: Year One, or successful completion of the Year One Prequalification Competencies & Exam
Year Three
Topics Covered: Safety; special elements; metering; system power flow; advanced transformers; maps and standards; system protection; National Electric Safety Code One and Two; and 29 CFR 1910.269 (Parts E, F, P, Q, T, U, W)
Prerequisite: Year Two, or successful completion of the Year One and Year Two Prequalification Competencies & Exams
Year Four
Topics Covered: Safety; communication systems; special elements; vegetation management; system operation; system automation; overhead line design; underground line design; trouble investigation; and crew leadership.
Prerequisite: Year Three
Attendance Policy
Students are required to attend all 16 days of the in-class program as well as the Skills Assessment Rodeo. Any student unable to attend their regularly scheduled class or the Skills Assessment Rodeo is required to make-up the time, training, and competencies covered during those class days. To progress into the next year or to complete the Program, all students must complete the full program requirements.
If you need to attend a make-up session please contact us to register at training@neppa.org or 978-540-2200. A make-up fee will apply per session, per student.
Cancellation Policy
All program withdrawals must be sent in writing to NEPPA at training@neppa.org. Substitutions may be made at any time (prior to the start of the program).
Withdrawals/cancellations received based on the schedule below are eligible for the following:
3 weeks prior to the 1st scheduled week of class = 100% refund of tuition, less the cost of NLC books
Before completion of the 1st scheduled week of class = 75% refund of tuition
Before the completion of the 2nd scheduled week of class = 50% refund of tuition
After the 2nd scheduled week of class = 0% refund of tuition
Lodging Information
Lodging is not included in your registration fees and must be arranged directly with the hotel. If you need overnight accommodations, please click below for informaiton on discounted rates and be sure to mention you’re with NEPPA (or the appropriate code/account number) to receive the negotiated rate.
2026 Apprentice Program Registration
Registration includes coffee and lunch each day. Lodging is not included in the registration fee and must be arranged directly with the hotel. See “Lodging” information” above.
NEPPA Members: $3,850 per person, per year
Non-Members: $5,850 per person, per year
If make-up sessions are required, the fee for make-ups is $125 per session, per student.
NOTE: New students enrolling in the Northwest Lineman College/NEPPA Program are required to complete a digital enrollment form from the college.
Pre-Qualification and Lineworker Evaluation
Prequalification testing is for individuals with knowledge and experience who wish to enter the Apprentice Lineworker Program at a later level. The score on the prequalification test would determine if they could start the program at year 2, 3 or 4.
The Lineworker Evaluation is for utilities who wish to test an employee’s knowledge and abilities to get an idea of their current skill level.
2026 Fees:
1 – 3 Individuals: NEPPA Members: $600, Non-Members: $900
4+ Individuals: Contact NEPPA
For more information or to register for a Pre-Qualification or Evaluation contact NEPPA at training@neppa.org or (978) 540-2200.
Instructional Team
Dan Flynn
Trainer
Dan Flynn has been a safety trainer with Northeast Public Power Association, since September 2018 after retiring from Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Dept with more than a 40-year career in public power. Dan is a Certified First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor.
Dan started in the electric meter department in the 1970’s and worked his way through the electric line department as a lineman/line foremen and his last position as the electric department superintendent. Some of Dan’s responsibilities included construction, maintenance, and safety of the electric line division. Dan continues to maintain his 1B/2A Mass. hoisting license and a Mass. Class A Driving license.
Dan lives with his wife of 43 years, Alayne, and they have two adult children and three grandchildren.
He says, “It is a privilege to continue to be involved with the public power industry in New England to give back any knowledge I’ve acquired over these many years.”
Ken Rollins
Trainer
Ken has been involved with the utility business for over 47 years, starting in the Danvers Water Dept. in the mid-seventies. He transferred to Danvers Electric Light in the mid-eighties going through his apprenticeship to become a journeyman lineman. In 1990, he was hired by Middleton Electric as a First Class Lineman and was promoted to Crew Leader, then Line Foreman and then became the Facilities Coordinator.
He has been involved with multiple Mutual Aid Storm related emergencies as a lineman and supervisor all over New England, Florida and the Virgin Islands. His knowledge and skills have greatly benefited the NEPPA team in NEPPA safety meetings as well as the NEPPA Apprentice program.
Mike Pazzanese
Trainer
Mike joined NEPPA as part of the training team in April 2021. Mike is a Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) with 41 years of experience in all aspects of electric and gas utility operations, as well as contractor management, employee health and safety, and utility technical training, particularly in underground distribution and cable splicing.
Mike holds both the OSHA 30-hour General Industry and 20-hour Leadership Certifications. Mike is also an Authorized OSHA Trainer-General Industry.
As a graduate of Bridgewater State University with a teaching degree, Mike’s background in utility and 11 years of technical training experience strengthens NEPPA’s capacity to provide top-tier training.
Steve Socoby
Trainer
Steve has 50 years of hands-on experience in all facets of public power utility operations. His past roles, including as a Line Superintendent, have helped him gain expertise in supervision of crews, maintenance, new construction, reliability, and associated plant & substation responsibilities. He is a Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) and a recognized expert in safety and OSHA compliance.
Recognized as an industry leader and expert, in 2001, Steve received the Distinguished Service Award from the Northeast Public Power Association and has been recognized by the Maine State Legislature for his previous 30 Years of Distinguished Service. Steve attended the University of Maine at Orono.
In 2020, Steve was honored for his long-standing commitment to NEPPA and the industry by being awarded the organization’s Person of the Year Award.