CARILEC’s Lineworker Certification Programme 

As the premier association for training and development of technical teams within Caribbean electric utilities, the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) recognizes the critical role of lineworkers in maintaining and restoring power systems, particularly in the wake of natural disasters.

A lineworker is a trained technical professional responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical lines and equipment. Their expertise is essential in ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of electricity from power plants to homes, businesses, and communities.

To enhance the technical competencies of lineworkers, promote regional standardization, and ensure the highest levels of safety, CARILEC has developed the Lineworker Certification Programme.

This Programme aims to establish a benchmark for professional excellence in linework in the Caribbean, while addressing the unique challenges presented by the region’s varied electrical configurations.

Electrical configurations and voltage systems, influenced by the standards of North America, Britain, the Netherlands, and France exist in the Caribbean. In some cases, hybrid systems have emerged, adding further complexity to the region’s (T&D) infrastructure.

In the aftermath of hurricanes and storms, CARILEC coordinates restoration regional efforts by deploying lineworker crews from unaffected utilities to assist impacted areas. Certified lineworkers will have the necessary training to adapt to different grid configurations, reducing risks and improving response efficiency.

Programme Objectives

CARILEC has customized an off-the-shelf Lineworkers Programme that serves to standardize the training, evaluation and work practices of regional electric utilities.

Recognizing that individual member utilities will be responsible for delivering the majority of the training, the programme has been designed to allow for customization while maintaining a standardized framework. The key features of the programme include:

• Multi-Level Certification (e.g., Level 1, Level 2, Level 3), providing a clear progression path for skill development and competency assessment.
• Utility-Specific Customization – Member utilities have the flexibility to tailor the programme to meet their specific operational requirements. For instance, some utilities may not engage in live line work, and their training components can be adjusted accordingly.
• Generalized Training Modules – CARILEC offers collective training workshops on key topics, such as preparing lineworkers to assist in regional post-disaster restoration efforts.
• Standardized Assessment & Certification – lineworkers will be required to undergo standardized testing to certify their proficiency at various levels. This ensures that certified professionals meet a regionally recognized standard of competence.

The Lineworker Certification Programme is designed to achieve the following key outcomes:

• Enhanced Troubleshooting Skills: Equipping lineworkers with the expertise to efficiently diagnose and resolve system and customer-related issues.
• Increased Technical Proficiency: Improving the technical competence and operational efficiency of existing lineworkers.
• Greater Adaptability and Safety Awareness: Developing a workforce that is highly flexible, safety-conscious, and confident in their capabilities.
• Standardized Knowledge and Skills: Ensuring that certified lineworkers possess the necessary expertise to operate across various Caribbean utility systems.
• Storm Response Preparedness: Training lineworkers to effectively participate in post-disaster restoration efforts on Transmission and Distribution lines throughout the region.

Programme Certification Levels 

The Lineworker Certification Programme offers the following levels of certification:

• CARILEC Level I Lineman Certification (Estimated Duration: 63 weeks)
• CARILEC Level II Lineman Certification (Estimated Duration: 55 weeks)
• Certification as an Underground Residential Distribution and/or Transmission De-Energized Specialist (Estimated Duration: 55 weeks)
• CARILEC Journeyman I Certification (Estimated Duration: 56 weeks)
• CARILEC Journeyman II Certification (Estimated Duration: 81 weeks)

The Programme also offers the following specialized training areas:

• Lineman Level 3A – Underground Residential Distribution (Estimated Duration: 55 weeks)
• Lineman Level 3B – Transmission De-Energized (Estimated Duration: 56 weeks)
• Storm Restoration Operations
• Substation Maintenance and Operations

Target Audience

The Lineworker Certification Programme is designed to cater to the following groups:

• New Recruits entering T&D line maintenance departments.
• Experienced Lineworkers requiring advanced skill development to qualify for higher certification levels and career progression.
• Specialized Power Delivery Technicians pursuing careers in specialized fields such as Electrical Maintenance, Meter Installation, Underground Distribution Systems, and De-energized Transmission Systems.
• Utility Support Contractors who provide critical support services to utility companies and require certification to meet industry standards and safety protocols.

Certification Process 

The certification process for CARILEC’s Lineworker Certification Programme follows a structured sequence of steps:

• Instruction – Delivery of comprehensive training sessions for each module, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
• Written Assessment – A formal written evaluation of each module to assess understanding and retention of key concepts.
• Panel Assessment – A thorough review and evaluation by a panel of experts for each certification level to determine readiness for progression.
• Field Performance Report – Completion of a detailed portfolio documenting on-the-job performance and demonstrating competency at each level.
• Final Practical Examination – A hands-on practical exam administered by the CARILEC team of assessors to evaluate proficiency in real-world scenarios.

Upon successful completion of the certification process, lineworkers will be awarded the corresponding certification level.

This certification not only validates individual lineworkers skills and knowledge but also ensures they are equipped to meet the highest industry standards in linework, ultimately contributing to the development of a more skilled and competent workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the Caribbean’s dynamic utility sector.

Contact Us 

Whether you’re ready to book or interested in learning more about CARILEC’s Lineworker Certification Programme, email us at [email protected]. We’re here to serve you.