Benefit Summary

Being treated as a full-time employee not only assures you of an adequate wage, but also provides a range of benefits associated with full-time employment.

Medical Insurance

As an apprentice or journeyman lineman, you'll receive health insurance benefits for yourself and your dependent family, including health, dental and vision insurance. This insurance is provided 100% by the electrical industry and is not deducted from your paycheck. The health insurance plan provided allows you to see any doctor you wish, anywhere in the country.

Retirement Plans

In a time when most companies are cutting back on retirement benefits, the journeyman lineman profession offers two outstanding retirement benefits to ensure you and your family of a secure financial future.

National Electrical Annuity Plan

Under this plan, you will receive a retirement benefit of 15% to 25% of your gross pay, depending on your local union. This amount is paid by the electrical contractors and is not deducted from your paycheck.

National Electrical Benefit Fund

This multi-employer defined benefit plan provides monthly contributions of 3% of gross pay for electrical workers associated with participating local unions of the IBEW. Journeymen and apprentices receive the benefit as part of their compensation package when they work for a contributing employer. Vesting in the fund takes just five years. Your benefit is secure once you have earned five service credits. Generally, you earn one service credit a year.

College Credit

Recognizing the fact that becoming a journeyman lineman is a real education, the American Council on Education (ACE) has made it possible for you to earn college credit while pursuing your career goals. Through ACE, participants in the Missouri Valley Constructors apprenticeship program can receive college credit for their efforts. Use those credits to work toward an associate or bachelor degree in an area of study of interest to all IBEW and NECA members.

Earn Your Associate Degree Online

Earn an associate degree on your own time through online programs offered by Pellissippi State Technical Community College (PSTCC).

• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) — Comprised of 15 to 17 credits in general education, 9 to 10 credits of a technology core and 36 credits of major and guided electives, the AAS program can run concurrent with your apprenticeship or be started as a journeyman. Thirty of the 36 elective credits will be granted with evidence of completion of your apprenticeship program. However, because the AAS is a terminal degree, only 16 to 20 credits are likely to transfer to a four-year institution.
• Associate of Science (AS) — If you plan on working toward your four-year degree in Construction Management Technology, the AS is a great place to start. Although the program is offered entirely online, you must complete college English and math at a local institution before transferring to PSTCC.

Earn Your Bachelor Degree in Construction Management

Available from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), the construction management degree focuses on electrical theory and practice, electronics, construction laws, codes and materials and other topics important to construction management professionals. Thirty-three of the 120 semester hours required to earn this degree must be completed through MTSU. Work experience and apprenticeship training are evaluated and considered toward 20 upper division credits required by MTSU. Although this program is designed for distance learners, you may be required to spend one week per year at the MTSU campus in conjunction with the summer National Training Institute.

The program is designed for individuals who have completed some college work.

Veterans

Veterans may be eligible for educational benefits while working their way through the apprenticeship program.

Great Wages Find out about the great wages for a journeyman lineman.