4 years

Voluntary

Yes

Powerline technicians install, maintain, inspect, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems. Some power systems are overhead (poles, towers, and overhead wires), while others are underground or underwater. Powerline technicians must follow strict safety procedures because of the high voltages in transmission lines.

• The Powerline Technician apprenticeship consists of 8,000 hours of combined on-the-job and in-class technical training.
• Apprentices must complete technical training arranged by the province and Ontario Hydro.
• Once you have successfully completed the apprenticeship requirements, you receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship and are considered a journeyperson candidate. If you choose to challenge the Certificate of Qualification exam and pass, you become certified as a journeyperson in the trade.
• A person with at least 8,000 hours of related work experience is eligible to apply for a Trade Equivalency Assessment (TEA) and challenge the Certificate of Qualification exam to become certified as a journeyperson in this trade.
• If you pass the Interprovincial Standards Examination, you qualify for Interprovincial Red Seal Certification.

Grade 10 or equivalent. Note: High school graduation is recommended. Employers often require more than the minimum educational requirements set by the province. They may also prefer apprentices who have taken certain courses related to their program.

Please contact your local apprenticeship office for information on the availability of technical training for this program.