How to Start Apprenticeship Training
Apprenticeship Training
Apprenticeship Training combines paid on-the-job work-based training with block-release technical training in a classroom setting. Registered Apprentices learn the practical and theoretical aspects of the powerline trade occupation. Successful completion of both components and other program requirements is required to earn certification and become a Red Seal Powerline Technician.
How to Become a Registered JLATA Apprentice
- Gain Employment
- Trades Trainee Registration
- Complete Program Prerequisites
- Application for Indentureship
- Overview
Employment is the First Step to Apprenticeship Training
Employers are looking for individuals with the right attitude, a keen interest in the trade and appropriate practical skills for entry into the Powerline Technician apprenticeship program.
Skills and Attributes for the Trade
Individuals must be in good health and should have the following skills and attributes to be successful in the trade:
- Meet challenges of physically demanding work in all types of weather
- Strength and stamina (upper body strength)
- A mechanical aptitude (familiarity with industrial tools & equipment)
- Physical dexterity
- Comfortable working at heights and confined spaces
- Good hearing and color vision
- Good Hand-eye coordination
- Precise and detailed work
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints
- Be able to work as a member of a team
- Ability to relocate and adapt to change
Working Conditions
Powerline Technician Apprentices are required to work outdoors and travel to various worksites and may be called upon at any hour and in all weather conditions. The work may be strenuous and requires climbing poles or towers, carrying, reaching, and frequent heavy lifting, and operating vehicles.
Finding an Employer
In order to become an Apprentice, you will need to get hired as a Trades Trainee (TT) with one of our Employer members, who will invest valuable time training you for entry into the Apprenticeship Program.
Tips:
- Research potential Employers that might be the right fit for you.
- Visit workplaces in person with a resume on hand and ask if they are hiring. Oftentimes, going in person can lead to more opportunities than applying online.
- Check with the Local 258 IBEW about employment opportunities.
- Essential Skills: Math, reading and document use (i.e. charts, schematics, etc.) are essential. Applicants with strong skills in these areas are eight times more likely to pass their exams. They’re also less likely to hurt themselves or others on the job.
VIEW OUR EMPLOYER MEMBERS HERE: Employer Directory
Become a Registered Trades Trainee with the JLATA and Local 258 IBEW
Individuals hired for a Trades Trainee (TT) position must be registered with JLATA and Local 258 IBEW. A Trades Trainee is an entry-level position that is intended to provide:
- Job and crew support
- Supervised exposure to the Powerline Technician trade and
- Knowledge and basic job skills for entry into the apprenticeship program
This is a probationary training period of a minimum of 6-12 months. During this period, the Trades Trainee is given an opportunity to complete the program prerequisites and to acquire a sufficient level of understanding and practical application of job skills to make an informed decision on whether to pursue the trade and for the Employer to evaluate the Trades Trainees practical skills to determine whether the Trades Trainee has the attributes to be successful in the apprenticeship program.
Trades Trainee Scope of Work
All Trades Trainees must be under the direct supervision of the journeyman PLT and shall be provided with enough instruction to ensure his/her safety. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE TRADES TRAINEE BE ALLOWED TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH LOW OR HIGH VOLTAGE.
Under the direction of a qualified Journeyman or Sub-Foreman, a Trades Trainee may:
- Use hand tools
- identify materials
- Work as a ground person & material handler
- Dig pole holes, anchors, etc.
- Perform labour-type work in pole setting and URD
- Operate bucket and boom trucks
- Climb
- Install and pull on cold construction
- Frame poles on the ground
- Clean up
Apprenticeship Program Prerequisites
Trades Trainees must complete the academic and practical prerequisites listed below to be eligible for the apprenticeship program.
Academic
- High School Diploma or a government-recognized high school equivalency certificate.
- Foundations of Mathematics 11 or higher
- Physics 11 or higher
- English 12
- Electric Utility Fundamentals (CNC online course)
Non-Academic
- Class 3 driver’s license with (air brake endorsement)
- Registered as a Trades Trainee with the JLATA and Local 258 IBEW for a minimum of 6 months
Practical
- Minimum of 6-12 months of supervised work experience recorded in your Trades Trainee Log Book.
- Practical skills evaluated by your Employer through the submission of quarterly Field Progress Assessments.
The Electric Utility Fundamentals online course is offered through the College of New Caledonia. It introduces Trades Trainees to basic concepts required to understand and explain the systems that generate, deliver and sell electrical power.
Click here for additional information and to register online
Indentureship Process
Trades Trainees are nominated by their Employers for Indentureship into the apprenticeship program.
Eligibility and Selection
- Evaluation Process: The work of Powerline Technicians involves significant risks due to exposure to high energy sources and working at heights. Therefore, candidates for this apprenticeship program undergo a thorough evaluation by their Employers. This evaluation assesses both soft skills (such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving) and practical skills (technical proficiency related to powerline work). This evaluation period is a mandatory minimum of 6 to 12 months.
- Recommendation for Apprenticeship: Qualified Powerline Technician journeymen play a crucial role in assessing candidates during the evaluation period. They observe and gauge the Trades Trainee’s readiness, competence, and commitment to the profession. Based on their quarterly Field Progress Assessments and Final Skills Evaluation, they decide whether to recommend the Trades Trainee for formal apprenticeship training.
- Application Submission: After the evaluation period, if the Employer determines that a Trades Trainee is ready for the apprenticeship program, they initiate the application process.
- Submission Process: Once all forms and waivers are completed and signed by the Employer and Trades Trainee, they are compiled into an application package.
- Selection and Approval: The application is then reviewed by the Board of Directors. They assess whether the Trades Trainee meets all necessary prerequisites and criteria for acceptance into the program.
- Apprenticeship Program: Upon acceptance, the Trades Trainee is indentured as an Apprentice and begins their formal apprenticeship training through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
- Indentureship to JLATA: When an apprentice enters the apprenticeship program, they become indentured to the JLATA. This means the JLATA becomes the formal Sponsor responsible for overseeing the Apprentice’s training and development.
Overview of Trades Trainee Training Process
Cycle 1: From Selection as a Trades Trainee to Completion of Initial Requirements for Apprenticeship.
(click to view image)
Pathway to Certification
Indentureship into Apprenticeship Program
Work Based Training
Complete Technical Training
Recommended for Certification
Credentials Awarded
View Pathway
Learn more on the pathway to certification
Powering BC Through Excellence in Training
The Joint Line Apprenticeship Training Association has the managerial oversight for the program to assure Apprentices in the Powerline Technician Apprenticeship Program are provided the best training and learning experience within the trade.