Climbing School

Week 1:  March 23-27,2026

Week 2:  March 30-April 2, 2026

NO SCHOOL on Friday, April 3, 2026.

Registration deadline is March 10

This course is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training; and is part of the AIEC “Illinois Rural Electric Apprenticeship Program”.  This course is recommended for first year IREAP apprentices.

Line School Forms - Each apprentice needs to print and bring these forms filled out to the first day of class.

Hands-on Training will Include

• Proper technique of climbing poles up to 60 feet
• Testing to include a 65 ft. pole climb, 45 ft. H-structure pole climb and 55 ft. transition pole climb
• Proper use and care of fall arrest systems
• Proper use of fall arrest i.e., secondary safety while transitioning on pole
• Becoming familiar “hot line” tools
• Practicing pole top rescue and be able to complete it in less than 4 minutes
• Basic “on the pole” rigging using knots
• Handline use and care

School Details

• NO SCHOOL on Friday, April 3.
• Week 1 and Week 2 will start on Monday with registration at 12:30 p.m.
• Monday 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Participants are responsible for their own meals.
• One hour will be allowed for lunch each day.
• We recommend each student bring their own water jug.

Required Participant Equipment and Tools:

• Boots with a heel, suitable for climbing
• Pair of lineman's climbers, including all pads and straps
• Properly fitting lineman's belt and fall restraint equipped with a tool pouch and nut and bolt bag
• Hard hat
• Safety glasses (clear or dark)
• Long-sleeved shirt for climbing
• Leather work gloves
• Tools—side cutting pliers, skinning knife, folding wood ruler, screwdriver (6" blade minimum), hammer (claw or ballpeen), 12" adjustable wrench.
• Wet and cold weather clothing for outside activities

Accommodations

Please use any of the hotels we have special rates with.  https://aiec.coop/hotels

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made prior to the registration deadline will not be charged. Cancellations made after the registration deadline, but within 48 hours of the school will be charged at 50%. Cancellations thereafter/no shows will be charged the full school amount. Substitutions are allowed.