Inside IHSA’s powerline technician apprenticeship program

Hands-on training with expert instructors prepares young workers to safely build and maintain Ontario’s electrical grid.

Powerline technicians play a major role in Ontario’s electrical utilities sector. Whether they’re repairing downed cables after a storm or building distribution systems to service new homes and businesses, their work helps keep communities connected and the economy growing.

But that work comes with a lot of risk. Powerline technicians perform complex tasks on and around energized equipment, often while working at heights. One mistake can have catastrophic consequences. Proper training, balancing technical skill-building and safe-work knowledge, is essential.

“There’s no room for error when it comes to powerline technicians and the work they do,” says Enzo Garritano, IHSA President and CEO.

As one of just a few designated providers of all four levels of the powerline technician (PLTN) apprenticeship program in Ontario, it’s IHSA’s job to help the next generation of electrical utilities workers thrive—through classroom-based and hands-on training delivered by experienced instructors in a safety-first setting.

“We’re a proud partner of the electrical utilities industry,” Garritano says. “The powerline apprenticeship program creates that strong foundation for workers who are going to be needed not only today, but in the future.”

From foundational learning to specialized tasks

The four levels of IHSA’s PLTN apprenticeship—each taken over two weeks—prepare participants for real-world work in the electrical utilities industry.

The first stages introduce fundamentals such as safe job planning and the procedures that help workers protect themselves and the public from electrical hazards. Later levels see apprentices work on more specialized tasks. Every step of the way, participants are taught to adhere to the highest standards of health and safety.

Training takes place at IHSA’s Mississauga Skills Development Centre, which features multiple classrooms and a large outdoor training yard. The site is outfitted with a huge variety of infrastructure and equipment, ensuring apprentices gain experience on everything from pole climbing to working on three-phase systems. PLTN training is also offered by IHSA’s partners at Cambrian College in Sudbury and St. Clair College in Chatham.

A safe space for skill building

The program’s small class sizes, limited to eight participants, create an environment where apprentices can learn at their own pace and receive individual support from IHSA’s expert trainers.

“I did my level one and two at a different school, and coming to IHSA, I really appreciate how the classrooms are a lot smaller,” says Jayden Dunley, a Level 3 PLTN apprentice. “You can get more one-on-one time if you need the help with the instructors.”

That supportive environment makes it easier for apprentices to ask questions, refine their techniques, and gain confidence to work safely and effectively in the field.

“It’s given me a safe place to learn before I actually have to go out and do it in real time,” says Mackenzie Arsenault, a Level 2 participant.

As PLTN apprentices move through the program (and gain experience with their respective employers), they develop a deeper understanding of electrical systems, protective equipment, and safe work practices. These lessons translate directly to real-world tasks.

“It’s almost like the Bible,” says Level 4 apprentice Phil McMann. “The stuff that you learn here translates exactly to what you do in the field.”

Guidance from the electrical utilities experts

Another key to IHSA’s PLTN apprenticeship is its roster of highly qualified full-time instructors. Each one spent a minimum of 15 years working in the electrical utilities industry before transitioning to training.

That jobsite experience enables IHSA’s instructors to teach not only the steps to perform a task, but also the reasons for them—whether that’s to boost efficiency, improve effectiveness, or ensure the work is done as safely as possible.

Instructors guide apprentices using the same types of equipment and scenarios they will encounter at work. Upon graduation, apprentices are confident and competent, with the skills to build and maintain Ontario’s electrical infrastructure under varied conditions and with the best techniques for the job.

Support for powerline workers throughout their careers

While the PLTN apprenticeship is the foundation of a powerline technician’s training, the learning doesn’t end just because the program does. Work practices, technology, and equipment in the electrical utilities sector are always evolving.

Ongoing training helps workers stay current and maintain their skills. IHSA offers a range of specialized courses, covering topics such as electricity-specific protective equipment, working on underground distribution systems, grounding and bonding techniques, and advanced cable practices.

Electrical utilities workers and employers can also access numerous safety resources—including safety guidelines and bulletins, as well as the must-have Electrical Utility Safety Rules and Utility Work Protection Code Manual—developed by IHSA with input from industry partners.

“Not only do you come to us for your four levels of apprenticeship, we have you covered from the start of your career until you retire,” says Alain Leger, Vice President of High-Risk Activity Training and Operations at IHSA.

By supporting workers at every stage of their careers, IHSA helps ensure that Ontario’s electrical utilities sector continues to be powered by skilled professionals who understand the importance of working safely.

For the apprentices currently learning the trade, that support and training can make a big difference as they prepare to build and maintain the province’s electrical infrastructure for decades to come.

The four levels of the PLTN apprenticeship

Powerline technician apprentices complete four levels of skills-based safety training with IHSA. Here’s what that looks like.

LEVEL 1 – An introduction to powerline work, covering basic electrical theory, job planning and emergency preparedness, work area protection, material handling, pole line construction, terminating and splicing secondary underground cable, and much more.

LEVEL 2 – Builds on Level 1 foundations while introducing the Utility Work Protection Code, cable theory, street lighting, installation and removal of in-line switches, single-phase transformer operation, basic hydraulics, and ergonomics.

LEVEL 3 – Apprentices practice more specific tasks—including insulator changes, ties using live line tools, crossarm replacement, and working on three-phase systems— while gaining insights into the use of different types of rubber gloves and protective equipment.

LEVEL 4 – Comprises a knowledge review, advanced electrical and cable theory, and work practices ranging from underground splices and terminations and transformer bank connections to rescue techniques and the care and maintenance of rubber protective equipment.

Ongoing support for powerline workers

Here are some of IHSA’s other expert-led training programs for the electrical utilities industry.

Bare Hand Techniques – Although the bare-hand method may be limited in scope, it affords line maintenance personnel another option to consider for specific tasks. IHSA’s training concentrates on the safe practices, procedures, and basic philosophy involved with this technique.

Cable Splicing and Terminating - High Voltage – Through classroom learning and hands-on exercises, participants in this course develop the knowledge and precision skills needed to splice and terminate electrical cables for high-voltage systems.

Conductor Stringing – Designed for personnel involved in stringing operations in electrical utilities or telecommunications work. Participants learn safe work practices, the proper operation of pullers and tensioners, grounding techniques, and more.

Confined Space Entry – Utilities workers who must access underground vaults and similar enclosures can face life-threatening atmospheric hazards. This course helps learners to better assess and control those hazards, covering topics including air quality monitoring, ventilation, PPE selection, and rescue planning.

Electrical and Utility Safety Rules Training – A thorough examination of the Electrical Utility Safety Rules (EUSR), which underpin health and safety for the industry. The course reinforces a consistent understanding of the intent and application of the EUSR—and specific rules that guide safe work around energized systems.

Live Line Tool Techniques – Introduces the safe use of live line tools for performing tasks on energized electrical systems while maintaining a safe distance of approach—with an emphasis on correct tool selection and handling as well as techniques for working safely from pole and aerial devices.

Rubber Glove Techniques to 36 kV – This course highlights the selection, maintenance, testing, and safe use of rubber protective equipment at various voltage levels and includes field practice of rubber glove techniques to improve worker efficiency and effectiveness.

Underground Proficiency – For workers who design, install, or maintain underground electrical distribution systems, this in-depth course outlines current safe work practices on a variety of topics, including job planning, confined space entry, cable and fault locating, and switching and grounding.

Utility Work Protection Code – This certification training looks at the UWPC’s extensive system of permits and tags, which help to create an environment where electrical hazards are reduced or eliminated. It includes information on application procedures for work protection, preparing work protection forms, tagging procedures, and more.