Power Delivery Apprenticeship Questions |
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POWER DELIVERY Q&A Q: How difficult is a line apprenticeship? A: Extremely difficult. This job requires long hours in adverse weather conditions, under sometimes stressful conditions. The work is very physically demanding and hazardous, as well. An Apprentice Lineman must also climb poles to perform work on energized circuits with voltages ranging from 50 to 345,000 volts.
Q: How does one obtain a line apprenticeship? A: The Company puts apprenticeships out for bid, and they post on Horizons as well as looking to the outside for prospective apprentices. As an employee you are encouraged to bid on these positions, and your seniority will be applied. As an outside applicant, it is extremely helpful to have graduated from a Line School or Line College. In order to be awarded an apprenticeship, each person will be required to pass the NJATC aptitude test, and also a climbing and working orientation. A Commercial Driver’s license is also required for this position.
Q: Can women succeed in an apprenticeship? A: Yes. No one is excluded from an apprenticeship.
Q: How long is an apprenticeship? A: It depends on the craft.
Note: In both Substation and Estimating, the apprentice must satisfy 6 months of ground time learning the basics of the trade.
Q: Will there be formal training as well as on the job training? A: Yes. Each apprentice will attend 4 weeks of Apprentice School every year. At this school there is a very well established curriculum, and very skilled and experienced instructors.
Q: Will I be allowed to remain the same location after I complete the apprenticeship? A: Apprenticeships are bid as Location For Training Only, however there are circumstances provided for in the Collective Bargaining Agreement which would allow for permanent placement.
Q: Would I be required to travel out of town during my apprenticeship? A: Possibly. Depending on the location of your apprenticeship and the type of work being performed, there could be some travel. The Collective Bargaining Agreement provides the conditions for travel.
Q: I have heard the term “JOURNEY OUT”. What does that mean? A: JOURNEY OUT means to complete your apprenticeship by passing the Journeyman’s Exam.
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