Communications Protection & Control Technologist Trainee
Learn to install, maintain, and repair electronic power system equipment
Communication Protection & Control (CPC) Technologists are key to the operating, protection and communication systems of the BC Hydro network. The work involves the installation, maintenance and repair of critical electronic equipment for detecting and responding to power system faults, controlling system devices, and data and voice transfer throughout the Province. Often work sites are in remote locations, and travel is required to locations where power system is remotely monitored and controlled. You'll work alongside a variety of people, from design engineers to electricians to contractors to management.
What you learn and experience
- How to perform maintenance on communication, protection and control systems, including equipment used for detecting and responding to power system faults, controlling system devices, and data and voice transfer throughout the province
- You’ll receive practical and theoretical training in various disciplines through in-house and externally provided courses
Qualifications: what you bring
- You've completed a National Diploma Program in Electrical / Electronics Engineering Technology from an accredited institution, preferably with a Power and/or Communications option. Please check with your place of education if you are unsure if your diploma qualifies you for this position.
- You have proficiency in English
- You have normal colour vision and are physically fit
- You have a mechanical aptitude, and excellent computer literacy
- You have a keen interest and lifelong commitment to learning.
- You have good analytical skills
Program details and future job prospects
The Communications, Protection and Control Technologist Trainee program is open for applications once per year, between November – January. The program commences in June-July.
As a successful trainee applicant, your CPC career begins with 48 months of on the job technical training including 6 months of in school technical training, various in-house classroom training courses, self-study assignments and annual written and practical exams.
When you graduate, you can apply for Communications, Protection and Control Technologist positions in BC Hydro at one of 32 Communications, Protection and Control headquarters throughout B.C.
There are generally two types of work available:
- Field work – involves travel to work sites, usually on a daily basis, but occasionally for periods of a few days. Examples of work locations are substations, small generating stations, mountain top sites and offices.
- Inside work – involves work mainly in one location, such as a central repair and resource facility, a major control centre or a major generating station.
Where you train and work
As a trainee, you'll be moved annually from one location to another during the four year program to ensure you gain the maximum training and experience. For example, you may start in the Lower Mainland, move to Revelstoke then to Victoria and then to Terrace.
Pay and benefits
You earn 75% of the full trade rate as an apprentice, and you get 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.