Program to expand to other districts
We are excited to expand our Pre-Apprenticeship Program to other districts after its proven success in the Kyle district. Since launching the program in November, the district has brought on a total of four pre-apprentices, who received training and experience that helped determine if a career in linework at PEC was right for them. Upon completion of the demanding three-month program, two of these pre-apprentices have earned the opportunity to join PEC as full-time employees.
On April 22, the Kyle district hired two of the program’s apprentices into open lineworker apprentice 1A positions.
“This has proven to be a successful pathway for local talent to join PEC as a lineworker apprentice and progress their career toward becoming a journeyworker,” said Vice President of Workforce and Safety Operations Nathan Fulmer.
To be eligible for the program, candidates must meet the same minimum qualifications and physical demands as those included in the lineworker apprentice 1A job description, including having a high school diploma or equivalent, having a valid driver’s license, and having reliable transportation to the district office. Pre-apprentices will work 40 hours a week for up to three months as temporary workers through a staffing agency.
During this time, they gain basic experience serving as a groundman and see firsthand what being a lineworker entails. Pre-apprentices are evaluated by the district operations team on various criteria, including dependability, work ethic, teamwork, communication, and retention of basic knowledge of linework. Pay is $22 per hour with the opportunity to earn a full-time position with benefits working for PEC as a lineworker apprentice 1A.
“We are excited to expand this program to other districts this year and make this a standard process for hiring many of our lineworker apprentice 1As,” Fulmer said.
Employees are encouraged to spread the word and refer candidates for these positions. This program has the potential to strengthen the cooperative, and we hope you will help make it a success! Interested candidates should send their resume to [email protected].
