Introduction | Knowledge & Abilities | Special Skills / Minimum Qualifications | Apprentice Exam | Apprentice Training

The subsequent rungs in the trades and crafts classifications are:

Utility Crafts - Apprentice, Utility Craftsworker
HEP Operations - Apprentice, HEP Operator
HEP Mechanical - Apprentice, HEP Mechanic
HEP Electrical - Apprentice, HEP Electrician

The position of Apprentice is an opportunity to learn the trades and craft from qualified journey-persons. The position of Apprentice has a training triangle. The training triangle consists of the following three parts.

1. Classroom Training

2. On-the-Job Training

3. Home Study

The minimum qualifications for each apprentice classification can be seen on the Department of Water Resources, Examination Announcement for each classification. The examination announcement is normally advertised once a year, sometime during the summer.

The HEP Apprentice Examination has two parts, the written portion, which consists of three sections: math (fractions, ratios, percentages, square root, algebra, basic trigonometry), reading and comprehension, and mechanical aptitude. The Utility Craftsworker Apprentice Examination has two parts, the written position, which consists of three sections: math (fractions, ratios, percentages, square root, algebra, readings from a tape measure, word problems), reading and comprehension, and tools and their use. The candidate must perform acceptably in all three sections to be admitted to the second part of the exam.

The second part of these examinations is the oral. When succesful in this examination process the candidate is placed on an open list, from which all Apprentice selections are made.

After candidates have successfully passed the examination process and have been hired as Apprentices - either Operator, Electrician, Mechanic, or Utility Craftsworker - they are assigned to work under close observation of a fully qualified and knowledgeable journey-person of his/her craft.

The duration of the apprentice programs are:

Utility Craftsworker - 3 years
HEP Operator - 3 years
HEP Electrician - 4 years
HEP Mechanic - 4 years