Apprentice Mechanic
Learn to operate and repair mechanical equipment at electric generating stations
As an apprentice mechanic with BC Hydro, you play an essential role in generating electricity. You maintain and repair mechanical equipment used in thermal and hydroelectric generating stations, using skills related to machinist and millwright work.
What you learn and experience
- How to use proper safety procedures, how to use tools and materials, and how to operate. equipment before moving on to more complex technical skills and challenging assignments.
- How to correctly use materials and tools for machining skills.
- How to work safely and operate equipment such as generators, pumps, turbines, gates, cranes, and valves.
- How to work safely outdoors in a wide range of locations including generating stations and substations.
- How to safely climb structures and equipment to perform work, and how to work in confined spaces.
- How to work safely at heights, underground and in confined spaces.
- How to handle large, bulky and often heavy materials or equipment.
- How to keep reliable power available for British Columbians, and the satisfaction that brings.
Qualifications: What you bring
- You're a high school graduate with English 12, Math 11 and Physics 11 or the equivalent.
- You have a class 5 B.C. driver's licence.
- You enjoy doing hands-on, physical work outdoors and have the fitness and upper body strength to do this. You may be a man or a woman, and you may develop this strength through a weight training program before starting the apprenticeship.
- You have normal colour vision
- You have strong interpersonal skills and are able to deal with both internal and external customers.
- You have a mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with computers, industrial tools, and equipment would be an asset.
Equivalence documentation and transcripts
To successfully claim an equivalent status, you must provide documentation that effectively demonstrates you've taken equivalent courses. You'll submit either a letter from your place of education or your instructor indicating the course(s), stating that the course(s) taken would be considered equivalent to or better than a grade 12 level.
Once selected as an apprentice, you need to provide a copy of transcripts demonstrating your high school graduation including Math 12, English 12 and Physics 12 as well as a driver's abstract and claims history.
Program details and future job prospects
As an apprentice mechanic, your career in the mechanical trade begins with 48 months of on the job and in-school technical training for 5-7 weeks per year.
When you graduate you'll have obtained a Millwright or Machinist Trade Qualification (TQ) with an Inter Provincial certification (IP) through Industry Trades Authority (ITA). You can then apply for Mechanic jobs anywhere in the BC Hydro system.
Where you train and work
During your apprenticeship, you're required to work in 3-4 headquarters. Typical locations include Hudson's Hope, Mica Creek, Revelstoke, Castlegar, Trail, Campbell River and Vancouver.
Once you graduate, you can apply to any mechanic vacancy throughout the province.
Pay and benefits
As an apprentice, you earn 75% of the full journeyperson trade rate while you learn, with further increases during the apprenticeship.
You learn and work in a healthy and safe environment supported by a competitive benefit package that includes vacation (minimum of 3 weeks), overtime pay, designated day offs with pay, disability income, health and vision care, and dental benefits.
Application timelines
Job postings are typically found on our current opportunities page. Click here to see application timeline information. If no information is available yet, you can set up a job alert so that you will be notified as soon as the posting goes up.
Due to the very high number of applications recruiters receive, only those who are shortlisted will receive a phone call.