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

Two very important skills will be involved in the work of a Hydroelectric Plant Electrician, Hydroelectric Plant Mechanic, Hydroelectric Plant Operator, and Utility Craftsworker Apprentice:

1. Mathematical Computation - completion of a formal math curriculum (High School, Community College, or equivalent) that includes algebra and basic trigonometry, which is desirable and almost an essential requirement for success in this program.

2. Reading Comprehension - ability to read high school level written material with good comprehension is important, because this program requires a large amount of independent reading assignments involving concepts of electrical and mechanical equipment, operations and maintenance.

A. On-The-Job-Training

This is the actual day-to-day hands-on work in which the apprentice "learns by doing". Generally 1820 hours of on-the-job experience per year. A hands-on proficiency test is given every six months to check and verify that the apprentice is gaining applicable and measurable experience. These tests must be passed with a minimum score of 70%. Three failures of the same test will result in termination of the Apprentice Agreement.

B. Classroom Training

The Department of Water Resources Joint Apprentice Committee has established classroom courses in which a variety of classes are taught during regular working hours at Department facilities. Subject matter ranges from Math Review to the Theory of System Operation. The number of hours of classroom training required each year is different for each apprentice trade. Usually the classes are forty (40) hours in duration or one work week. A test is given at the end of each class, they must be passed with a minimum score of 70%. Three failures of the same test will result in termination of the Apprentice Agreement.

C. Home study (Related Training)

As the name implies, there is a substantial program of study that is to be completed away from the job on your own time. It will be essential for you to establish a regular time and place of study each day to do a certain portion of your home study. If you feel you need ideas or help in establishing an effective study process, talk with your supervisor or one of the journey-persons who recently completed the program. Three failures of the same test will result in termination of the Apprentice Agreement.

All three of these training phases - on-the-job, classroom, and home study - are integrated so that each reinforces the other. Each element is just as important as the other.