* Apprenticeship: Most linemen enter the field through an apprenticeship program sponsored by a utility company or a union (like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - IBEW). These programs usually last several years (3-5 is common) and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
* Some Post-Secondary Education: While not always required, some linemen might have associate's degrees or certificates in electrical technology, lineworker technology, or related fields. This education often helps with apprenticeship applications and provides a foundation of knowledge. It does *not* replace the apprenticeship itself.
Therefore, there's no set "college time" to become a lineman. The apprenticeship is the crucial element, and its length determines how long the training takes.