Qualifications for generation and distribution 1

[Thedroid]

What kind of education do I need to focus on in order to get a job with the utility company. I would like to work with big transformers and switchyards. Right now I'm an electrician in a cement plant doing mostly motor control up to 4.16kv. The job is nice, but the other day we were having trouble with a transformer not selecting the right tap, and the electricians from the power company came out to adjust the auto taps. I thought that would be a very interesting job. I'm young and willing to learn whatever it takes to take my career to the next level. Looking for recomendations. thanks

Cement Plant Electrician and
Instrumentation Technician

 

[itsmoked]

For a "technician"/lineman job the utilities are usually expecting to teach their employees EXACTLY how THEY want things done on their specific systems. You can imagine the liability issues associated with million dollar-an-hour power lines and instant explosive death dealt out to mistakes.

So, they really are just interested in an "intelligent" willing to learn, conscientious worker.

So going to them with basic electrical knowledge and a drug free background is probably all you need. Apply for a job and talk to them. I wish you good luck.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[oldfieldguy]

droid--

I second "itsmoked's" advice. I worked for one of the large electrical utilities in the southern US. Many of their staff started just out of high school, but that was years ago. Now most of them are willing to accept related experience, which will give you a little step up.

Jobs should be opening up, too. The utilities are facing an aging work force and they're going to be looking for intelligent and eager replacements.

In my opinion, it's a great field to work in.



old field guy

 

[Ceast]

You could consider working for an NETA company. Testing & Maintenance companies are looking for good test techs. On the job training and continuing ed training is a requirement of a NETA company. Checkout netaworld.org

 

[Thedroid]

I definately want to continue learning, and would love to step it up a level. For know I'm going to focus on learning all of the equipment we use (there's a bunch), and understanding as much about it as I can. I also plan to continue my education, and hopefully make a step up one of these days.

Cement Plant Electrician and
Instrumentation Technician

 

[davidbeach]

The NETA type work has more chance of being in door work. Utility line work has a tendency to be out door work and the worse the weather the more likely you will be to work after hours. After a bad storm season lots of linemen seem to be driving new cars or trucks through.

 

[Zogzog]

We are always looking for good breaker guys, must be mechanicly inclined and willing to learn and not afraid of work. We do all of our training in house, there is no where to find someone who already knows what we require, so we have to train them.

I just left the NETA world, techs are in high demand, and the pay can be very good after you get level 3 or 4 certified, OTJ training for the most part as david mentioned.