Powerline technicians are responsible for the construction and maintenance of electrical transmission and distribution lines. In order to conduct this type of work, a four-year apprenticeship under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD) is required.

IHSA is one of a limited number of training delivery agents, designated by the MLITSD, to provide the skills-based training for all four levels of the powerline technician apprenticeship.

Each level covers all relevant theory and practical topics required for the apprenticeship program, including work techniques and the legislation regarding safe work. Apprentices will learn from highly experienced and professional trainers. They will then demonstrate an understanding of their newly acquired skills by using well-tested and evaluated safe work methods through a unique transition from classroom to practical field applications.

All apprentices will receive a level-three evaluation based on the Kirkpatrick training evaluation model. All four levels of the apprenticeship are held at IHSA's Skills Development Centre in Mississauga, which features modern facilities and top-of-the line equipment. The training centre features a confined space simulator, an energized three-phase underground yard and two energized overhead lines.

Level 1 10 Days

The Level One program is a basic introduction to line work. Apprentices will cover emergency plans, basic electrical theory, job planning, manual material handling, pole line construction, rescue techniques, work area protection, stringing, terminating and splicing secondary underground cable, and much more. All lessons promote and employ the use of safe work methods.

Prerequisites

All apprentices are required to have at least three months of line experience through their employer. Apprentices are expected to complete up to five days of self-directed study prior to the session. Training manuals will be supplied prior to course commencement.

Level 2 10 Days

The Level Two program goes beyond the basics outlined in Level One with study of the Utility Work Protection Code, cable theory, streetlighting, installation and removal of in-line switches, single phase transformer operation, basic hydraulics, and an introduction to ergonomics. All lessons promote and employ the use of safe work methods.

Prerequisites

Apprentices are expected to complete up to five days of self-directed study prior to the session. Training manuals will be supplied prior to course commencement. Apprentices must also have successfully completed Level One of the program and have approximately 2,000 hours of work experience.

Level 3 10 Days

In Level Three, apprentices are introduced to more specific work tasks such as insulator changes, ammeters, practice ties using live line tools, the use of rubber gloves and other rubber protective equipment used while changing construction configurations, changing crossarms, insulator changes on armless construction using live line tools and a jib, three-phase systems, and more. All lessons promote and employ the use of safe work methods.

Prerequisites

Apprentices are expected to complete up to five days of self-directed study prior to the session. Training manuals will be supplied prior to course commencement. Apprentices must also have successfully completed Level Two of the program and have approximately 4,000 hours of work experience.

Level 4 10 Days

In this final level, apprentices receive both a review of previously learned knowledge as well as the final elements needed to complete their study. The course covers electrical theory, three-phase systems – wye and delta review, cable theory, underground splices and terminations, cable and fault locating, traffic protection, transformer bank connections, metering hazards, rescue techniques and the care and maintenance of rubber protective equipment. All lessons promote and employ the use of safe work methods.

Prerequisites

Apprentices are expected to complete up to five days of self-directed study prior to the session. Training manuals will be supplied prior to course commencement. Apprentices must also have successfully completed Level Three of the program and have approximately 6,000 hours of work experience.