New line workers (apprentices) will receive training in a series of modules, beginning with the D series and ending with the B series. Apprentices attend eighteen weeks of training over a four-year period and benefit from on-the-job training during that time.
Training modules are supported by various training materials, including, electrical diagrams, system drawings, CD-ROMs or videotaped training. Students are required to pass written tests and competency demonstrations to successfully complete a module. The apprentice Distribution training is divided into the following series, as well as the corresponding training topics and skills.
D Series (Entry Level)
- Overview of the Energy Delivery system
- Qualify to climb poles
- Performing a bucket truck rescue
- Assembly of materials, tools, and equipment
- Installing cross arms
- Pole-top rescue
- Meter reading
- Pole handling
- Spill response
- Basic electricity
- Voltage detectors
- Installing grounds
- Installing services and meters
- Splicing
- Fault locating
- Patrolling lines for damage
- Digger derrick
- Set up and anchor installation
- Fall protection methods
- Teamwork
C Series (Intermediate Level)
- Introduction to high-voltage work
- Insulating protective equipment
- Changing a cross-arm
- Applying electrical theory
- URD transformer installation
- Enclosed space rescue
- Material handling bucket trucks
- Hotstick maintenance
- Transformer theory, installation and connections
- Setting a pole by hand
- Communication and leadership skills
- Switching and tagging
- Fuse coordination
- Layout of conductors for re-conductoring
- Traveling grounds
- Capacitors and lightning arrestors
- Primary phasing
- Fuse coordination
- Voltage regulators
- Sectionalizers
- Street lighting systems
- Transmission structure maintenance
B Series (Advanced Level)
- High-voltage circuit work
- Installing in-line switches
- Large conductor splicing
- Replacing dead-ends and insulators on heavy corners
- Push-brace installation
- Primary metering installation
- Drawing of step-down transformer connections
- Theoretical aspects of distribution systems and equipment
- Switching in substations
- Advanced transformers and troubleshooting
- Reclosers, breakers and sectionalizers
- Regulators
- Capacitors
- Personal protective grounding
