Apprentice Power Cable Technician

Learn to repair, test, and maintain underground, submarine and overland power cables

As a power cable technician with BC Hydro, you play a vital role in ensuring reliable electricity for homes and businesses across B.C. You splice all kinds of lead and metallic-covered power cables, both underground and overhead. You also repair cables that are damaged or in need of replacement.

What you learn and experience

How to splice, test and repair all kinds of lead and metallic covered cable – from underground to overland cables.
How to climb power poles and use proper safety procedures, how to use tools and materials, and how to operate a bucket truck in preparation for more complex technical skill development and assignments.
The practical and technical aspects of working on underground residential distribution (URD) cables first before learning to work on paper insulated lead covered (PILC) cables.
How to work safely outside, in all types of weather conditions, at heights ranging from 30 to 40 feet and working underground in manholes, etc., to doing submarine cable work.
How to handle large, bulky and often heavy materials or equipment.
How to restore power to customers at any time of the day or night, and the satisfaction that brings.

Qualifications: what you bring

You're a high school graduate with English 12, Math 12 and Physics 12 or the equivalent.
You have a Class 3 driver's licence for manual transmission with air endorsement, or ability to obtain the same by the required deadline specified in the job posting.
You enjoy doing hands-on, physical work outdoors and have the fitness and upper body strength to do this.
You have normal colour vision.
You must be able to work at heights, potentially up to 50 feet, and confined spaces such as underground.
You have strong interpersonal skills and are able to deal with both internal and external customers.
You have a mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with industrial tools/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.

You will 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 a successful apprentice applicant, your training in the electricity trade begins with 48 months of on the job and 4 to 5 weeks per year for the first 3 years in classroom training plus a series of self-study training courses.

When you graduate, you can apply for power cable technician jobs in transmission or distribution:

Distribution, you'd work primarily on underground cables although some submarine cable work may be involved.
Transmission, where you work on high voltage cables and submarine cables. Transmission work generally involves more travel than distribution. Additional trades skills enhancement training is also required.

Where you train and work

During your apprenticeship, you’ll be based primarily in the Lower Mainland with assignments in other areas of the province to broaden your experiences. Graduated apprentices usually obtain jobs in the Lower Mainland where the majority of power cable technician are located, but may also be located in Victoria.

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 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.