Apprentice, Powerline Technician (PWU) / Alectra Utilities

Apprentice, Powerline Technician (PWU)

Position Purpose:

Power your potential at Alectra! We're looking for motivated Apprentice Powerline Technicians eager to learn and grow under the guidance of experienced Lead Hands and Journeypersons. As an apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience in constructing, maintaining, and operating electrical distribution systems, setting the foundation for a rewarding career as a Powerline Technician. Join Alectra and take the next step in your professional journey!

If you meet the following criteria, we welcome you to apply:

Education & Specialized Knowledge

• Successful completion of Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or recognized equivalent
• Successful completion of Powerline Technician College Program is considered an asset
• Must hold and maintain a Class “G” driver’s license in good standing, “DZ” or “AZ” driver’s license is considered an asset

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years practical electrical experience or recognized equivalent
• Previous co-op experience with Alectra Utilities is an asset

Below is the job description of a Powerline Technician. During your apprenticeship you will be trained on all aspects of the job progressively over the apprenticeship period.

Responsibilities:

Construct and maintain the overhead and underground electrical distribution system including:

• Participate in job planning/tailboard conference.
• Setup work area protection including but not limited to ensuring traffic control at job sites and safety measures are in place.
• Perform approved line work techniques such as rubber glove, bare hand, and live line tools techniques.
• Install, maintain, and operate system components such as poles, wires, guying, switches, switchgear, transformers, cables, splices, terminations, and components at substations on ground, aloft and/or within confined spaces.
• Utilize and operate motorized vehicles and equipment, such as trucks, radial boom derricks, aerial devices, portable generators, power saws and drills in a safe manner.
• Perform pre-trip vehicle inspections.
• Conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner when dealing with customers and the general public.
• Execute switching instructions from the Alectra Control Room and adherence to the Utility Work Protection Code (UWPC).
• Trouble shoot customer power outages to determine the cause, make necessary repairs and restore the power to customers.
• Communicate with System Control staff to report defective equipment and unsafe conditions verify any tag-out/ lock-out procedures are followed.
• Required to participate in on-call duties and emergency call-out.
• Complete inspections of newly installed or modified distribution plant in accordance with Reg 22/04 and Alectra's Construction Verification Program including completing the Record of Inspection and Inspection Certificates.
• Assist with training of Apprentice Powerline Technicians not including Mearie apprenticeship record required sign offs.
• Perform line clearing as required.
• Support and participate in job specific training and programs.
• Responsible for a working knowledge and understanding of and make all efforts reasonable to work in accordance with and ensuring work is done in compliance with the appropriate safety legislation, EUSR rules, Alectra policies and procedures and safe work practices that apply to the work while adhering to the internal responsibility system. Reports any unsafe conditions or observed unsafe work practices using Alectra procedures.
• The incumbent may be asked to perform other related duties which may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:

Education & Specialized Knowledge

• Successful completion of Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
• Requires a recognized Journeyperson Powerline Technician Certificate.
• Requires working knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements as it relates to individual, organizational and operational requirements.
• Requires working knowledge of EUSR rules, the utility work protection code and other related safety regulations.
• Strong understanding of ESA rules and regulations applicable to the construction and maintenance of electrical distribution systems.

Experience

• Minimum four (4) years hands-on working experience on overhead and underground electrical distribution systems up to 44 kV.

Skills/Abilities/Competencies

• Physically fit to perform position responsibilities and ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to proficiently operate all equipment associated with the trade.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Alectra’ s line-work practices, procedures, and standards.
• Demonstrated ability to work from work orders, specifications, standards, and instructions, able to interpret prints, sketches, and diagrams.
• Demonstrated ability to proficiently operate laptop computers and electronic tools and technology.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills with coworkers and members of the public to achieve positive outcomes for the company.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to solve moderately complex problems.
• Requires a valid Class “A” driver’s license with a “Z” endorsement

Working Conditions

Work involves frequent exposure to unpleasant conditions or hazards, resulting in frequent discomfort or risk of danger - work is performed outdoors.

Who we are

As the largest municipally owned electric utility in Canada, we are committed to growing, evolving and remaining innovative to build a sustainable and brighter future. Our values set us apart and are our fundamental beliefs about our organization:

Safety: Stay aware, prevent risks and protect each other.

Respect: Value everyone, act honestly and foster inclusion.

Customer Focus: Be reliable, anticipate needs and deliver exceptional solutions with care.

Excellence: Elevate performance, embrace diversity and deliver quality through collaboration.

Innovation: Drive growth by embracing change, creativity and continuous improvement. 

Here’s why Alectra might be your ideal workplace:

• We offer comprehensive benefits. From health and wellness programs to financial security though our Defined Benefit Pension Plan – we offer a robust benefits package that supports you and your family.
• We invest in your career development. At Alectra, we care about our team’s future through offering ongoing trainings, mentorship and learning opportunities.
• We care about you work-life balance. Understanding that taking time off is essential to employee well-being, sustained productivity and high performance, we offer the following:
  • Time off: At Alectra, we offer various time off options for our employees including vacation time, personal days, milestone parental leave top-up, volunteer days and bereavement days.
  • Disconnecting from work: We prioritize your well-being through our “Disconnect from Work” policy which ensures you can maintain a healthy work-life balance.

At Alectra, your unique contributions matter and help drive our collective success to a more sustainable and brighter future.

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds like you and gets you excited, we’d love to hear from you! Simply click the apply button to submit your resume and take the first step toward joining our team. *Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept resumes via email. All applicants must apply through our careers page to be considered.*

*First consideration will be given to permanent employees in the PWU bargaining unit.

**As per the Collective Agreement, any permanent new hire in their bargaining unit must remain in their current position for at least twelve (12) months prior to commencing a new position.

At Alectra, we celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process that honours the dignity and independence of all applicants. If you require accommodation during the process, please contact careers@alectra.com. We will work with you to ensure your needs are being met to the point of undue hardship.

Thank you for your interest in building a career with us. While we appreciate all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note: We kindly request no unsolicited resumes or agency referrals. Alectra does not accept resumes from recruitment agencies for any open positions unless a valid contract is in place.