Apprenticeships

Start training for a rewarding career

The goal of our apprentice program is to provide students with the practical knowledge and experience needed to be successful in their chosen field after graduation. The program involves extensive classroom training and on-the-job learning where students work alongside some of the best at BC Hydro.

Get paid while you learn

If accepted into our apprentice program, you'll earn 75% of the full trade rate while you learn – with the opportunity for further increases as you progress. You'll also receive an excellent benefits package.

All on-the-job training is under the supervision of a journey person at BC Hydro. Once you've finished your apprenticeship, you'll receive graduation certificates from the Apprentice and Trades Training Committee and the IBEW Local Union 258. For trades that offer it, you'll also receive a Certificate of Qualification with a Red Seal Endorsement from the Industry Training Authority.

Our apprenticeship opportunities include:

Process and tips for apprenticeship applicants

Apprenticeship posting (one to four weeks)

Before applying, read the job description carefully to learn about the program and ensure you meet the specific course and license requirements to enter the program.

All applications and required documents must be submitted on or before the closing date stated on the bottom of the posting. Required documents include your:

Resume
Cover letter
Driver’s abstract
Transcripts for required courses

Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application review (two to three weeks)

You'll only be notified if you're selected for a phone interview. It takes us two to three weeks after the apprenticeship posting closes to review all applications.

Phone interview (one to four weeks)

After we finish reviewing all applications, it takes us one to four weeks to conduct all phone interviews.

The phone interview is with a recruiter and is a good opportunity for you to ask questions about the apprenticeship program and process.

After the phone interview, you'll only be notified if you're selected for a panel interview. This interview will be either held in-person or virtually through Microsoft Teams.

Panel interview and skills assessment (one to five weeks)

After all phone interviews are finished, it takes us one to five weeks to conduct all panel interviews and skill assessments.

The panel interview is with the position's selection panel and will be scheduled one week in advance by email. Practice your interview skills beforehand and dress to impress.

When we invite you to this interview, we'll also let you know if an in-person skills assessment is required for your application. If long-distance travel is needed to attend your assessment, we’ll arrange your travel and accommodations at no cost to you.

In one to three weeks after your panel interview, or approximately one week after your skills assessment if applicable, we’ll notify you whether or not you’ve been selected to complete a background check.

Background check (one to four weeks)

After all panel interviews and skill assessments are finished, it takes us one to four weeks to complete background checks.

Our background check is conducted by Mintz Global Screening and includes:

Reference checks for three professional references (all must be one of your past or current managers, supervisors, or instructors)
Education and employment verification
A criminal record check
A driver’s abstract review
Drug and alcohol testing

Background checks can take one to two weeks to complete after all required information has been submitted, but delays are normal. In some cases, such as when we’re waiting for information from past employers or schools, they can take longer than four weeks. Let your references know to expect a call from Mintz.

Offer

Offers are sent by email four to six weeks before the program starts. You'll have five business days to accept or decline the offer after you receive it.