r/SubstationTechnician

What is the work like? OT? I am a union JW looking for permanent/steady work.

Hi,

My closest selcat is 1.5 hours away. They say I have better odds of getting into substation than lineman due to the wait.

Can this transfer to lineman apprenticeship? Also, is it worth it to commute 1.5 hours daily? I have a mortgage and can’t really move there right now. Thoughts?

As the title states, I'm currently a journeyman electrician. 2 years into my apprenticeship, I realized that I wanted to do substation and/or lineman work but more ideally substation. I figured I wouldn't waste the past 2 years and complete my apprenticeship then get more serious about other routes afterward. so now that I am a journeyman electrician, i would like to start working towards those routes. I have 3 kids at this point so I can't afford to stop working to do lineman school or whatever. What is my best route?

For my military veterans, how many of you were able to land a substation apprenticeship upon separation? If so, where are you working at and what was the process for getting indentured? I have a little over a year left on my contract and am looking to get into the sub side. Also, what are some things I can do now while I’m still in to better my chances of getting into the trade? TIA!

How common is part-time work where ya'll are at?

I got hired into a position I’ve been trying to get for 3 years! I’ve been an inside wireman for 12 years in my local IBEW chapter, I love the trades but am looking forward to the stability and slow pace of the utilities. I’ll take any advice, critiques or whatever else is out there… but honestly I’m just excited and wanted to share 😁

I just applied for a sub apprenticeship through Albat, I’m curious how work looks year round for you guys and if it’s consistent? I’m just curious on how it would be if I were to get a call later on.

I’m getting ready to separate from active duty next year and need y’all’s opinions on what would be the best route to go. I have 5+ years of experience operating various different types of heavy equipment in the military, but also have an interest in getting into substation work on the Ibew side of things. I would love to hear y’all’s thoughts on either or and thank you in advanced.

I recently turned out as a inside wireman with IBEW Local 11 and hold my California state certification. My background includes industrial and refinery work. willing to start wherever makes the most sense and put in the work to build a long-term career in the utility industry. Just looking for stability, any certs I should go after to make me a more appealing candidate to someone wanting to get into utilities

So I just got my ranking from ALBAT after the interview. I ranked 19 with a score of 80.14 just wanted to see if anyone knows if this would be good to get a call or should I apply somewhere else. Any info would be great.

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Anyone travel with their family while in the apprenticeship or once they topped out?

How hard is to transition to utility side once you get your ticket? Will I have to start over?

I have applied to multiple substation apprenticeships in different regions. Taking my first groundman call next week. Im a family man. I understand I will be traveling all of my apprenticeship. Just want to know what my options are.

hows it going guys, I have had about 4 years electrical experience and just got offered a substation technician apprentice role in TX but not sure about leaving. Planning on it but how would one get into the apprenticeship in CA? would it take forever? or how hard is it to transfer hours from TX to CA after say 2 years? thank you for the help just want to clear my head a bit.

Ive been with a Utility company for just over 2 years, I just recently went from operations and distribution design to the substations department. Its a humbling yet rewarding experience so far, mainly because of the depth of technical knowledge I can learn over time in this department.

I know my knowledge and confidence will grow with time and practice, however, I am wondering if there are resources where I can study or learn some of these things without the day to day experience when planning, designing or commissioning.

Paid resources might be a hard sell with the company, thats the only limiting factor I can think of. A lot of discussion teams have sound familiar to me because of previous education but I have been out of college since 2019 and only in this industry 2 years, so I am fairly rusty with the theory and technical aspects.

What are realistic hours for Shermco field service techs in a day and throughout the week? If hired, I’ll be a level 1 tech. Trying to figure out how much OT new techs can pull

Anybody worked for or with Tennessee Valley Authority?
I’m considering an opportunity for a relay specialist (C) with them on the generation support side.
Currently an IBEW transmission relay tech but I started in hydro plants.

I was surprised it’s not an IBEW position but is instead covered by the engineering association union. Annual salary that I’m on my own to negotiate, as opposed to bargained hourly, but still with OT.
Sounds like a smaller service area from where I’m at and a bit more flexible, and some very nice people I’ve interacted with thus far.