SUNY Broome’s Lineworker Training Program equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed for various roles in the utility industry, addressing the growing demand for skilled labor in the Southern Tier.
The program combines classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training at a dedicated pole yard, ensuring participants gain both theoretical and real-world experience.
This is an intensive, physically demanding workforce training program designed for individuals who are motivated to build a career as a professional lineworker. Participants must be prepared for full-time attendance, rigorous physical activity, and a strong commitment to safety standards.
Information sessions for the 2026 Program have now ended. Sign up online if you are interested in receiving updates for the 2027 program when they are available.
Sign up online
Application and Enrollment Process
- Attend a required information session (January 8 – February 4, 2026)
- Pass the physical assessment (February 16–20, 2026)
- Submit your application by March 5, 2026
- Receive selection notification
- Complete registration and tuition/payment requirements
2026 Program Cost:
$9,900 (includes all training and required climbing equipment). This cost is partially offset through funding support from New Energy New York, helping to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for participants. See the FAQs below for information on additional potential funding sources.
Physical Assessment Deposit:
A $100 deposit is required to schedule your physical assessment. This deposit will be applied toward your tuition if you are accepted into the program and refunded if you are not accepted. If you register and cancel within 5 days of the assessment or do not attend the assessment, you forfeit your deposit.
The 2026 dates are:
- Physical Assessments: February 16-20, 2026
- Application due March 5, 2026
- Training Part 1: April 13 – May 21, 2026
- Internship (locations TBD based on availability): June 1 – September 18, 2026
- Training Part 2: September 28 – October 16, 2026
*Dates are tentative and subject to change based on enrollment and partner scheduling.
Potential participants must meet the following qualifications:
- Attend a lineworker information session
- Pass a physical assessment
- Submit an application
- Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent
- Be 18 years or older
- Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English
- Hold a valid driver’s license and be able to transport yourself to and from the training yard, SUNY Broome, and your assigned internship site
- Be able to pass required drug screening and background checks as determined by internship host
- Additional qualifications for the internship are listed below
This program represents a collaborative effort between SUNY Broome, local employers, and organizations such as NYSEG and IBEW Local 10, with a shared goal of developing a skilled workforce and fostering economic growth in the region. SUNY Broome is committed to fostering diversity in the utility industry. Through partnerships with community organizations, we aim to create pathways for underrepresented groups to pursue rewarding careers.
For more information, contact us at 607-778-5012 or workforce@sunybroome.edu.
Attending an information session is a required part of the application process for all prospective students. We have spread them out over various days and times, as well as virtual offerings to best accommodate different schedules.
This program is a big commitment and attending the information session is part of that commitment.
The potential participant must be the one attending the information session, you cannot have someone attend on your behalf. You can bring someone with you, however.
While job placement is not guaranteed, our team is committed to supporting graduates through resume reviews, interview preparation, and networking opportunities with hiring managers from leading utility companies.
Potential job titles include lineworker, groundman, utility technician, and related roles, depending on the hiring company.
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No. You must be 18 and have a high school diploma or GED at the start of the program.
You may be eligible to receive funding assistance from your local Workforce Development Board. Broome Tioga Workforce has assisted participants previously, and information for offices across New York State can be found at NYS Local Workforce Development Boards.
As this program is a non-credit program, Federal Financial aid is not available. You may consider other funding sources such as a personal loan from a bank or outside scholarships.
We are currently exploring housing options for participants traveling from outside the region. Please check back for updates or contact us for assistance.
The program fee includes all essential climbing equipment and tools. Students must provide their own climbing boots, which meet the following specifications: Boots need to have an EH (electric hazard) designation, have a composite toe, and a steel shank. Some local places you can go include : Power and Paddle in Candor, Boot Barn in Vestal, Homer Men and Boys, and New Shoe Store Plus which has a few places in PA including Montrose.
Gloves and glasses are provided, but students may also wish to purchase their own.
If you already have climbing equipment it will need to be inspected by one of our instructors and approved for use. It may reduce your program cost, depending on what equipment you have and/or still need.
A CDL is not required, nor is it a part of the current program. Many lineworker positions prefer applicants to have a CDL, but may assist with new hires obtaining this credential. Various opportunities for CDL training are available around the region.
The program is Monday through Friday, 8 hours a day. Students are expected to attend every class, unless there is an emergency. If you have unexcused absences you will be dismissed from the program.
Refunds are available up until 5 business days before the start of the program.
This is a demanding program, after you learn the detailed schedule you can decide if you have time.
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- Have earned a high school diploma or GED
- Be eligible to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver License (CDL). (Note, it is not required that a participant have their CDL or earn it during this program, but may be a requirement for employment at some employers.)
- Pass a drug screening
- Must be proficient in the English language, speaking and writing
- Successfully pass and complete Part 1 of the SUNY Broome lineworker training program
- Submit required materials to NYSEG
Internship sites will be assigned by NYSEG based on the capacity at their various locations. You may need to travel within New York State to reach your internship site. You will also need to have reliable transportation to reach your internship location.
Payment is due at the time of registration and no later than two weeks prior to the start of training. If you are receiving sponsorship or funding through an organization such as Broome-Tioga Workforce, written funding approval must be received within the same timeframe.
If you have concerns about meeting the payment deadline, please contact our office as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Housing is not provided. Participants are responsible for securing any lodging needed during their internship assignment.
The program is structured in three phases.
- Training Part 1: April through May (6 weeks)
- Paid Internship (with NYSEG): June through September (16 weeks)
- Training Part 2: September through October (4 weeks)
No, you will only need to sign up for and attend one of the available sessions being offered.
Yes. Our program application is completely separate and different from the general SUNY Broome applications. Eligible applicants will be sent the link to apply when the application opens.
Thank you to Buckingham Manufacturing and Lineman Supply for their support with equipment for this program.
