Energy

Powerline Technicians

Powerline Technicians harness electricity. They construct, maintain and repair overhead and underground electrical power transmission and distribution systems. In larger utilities, Powerline Technicians may also specialize in one of the following areas: transmission lines, overhead and underground distribution, communication networks and electrical power stations.

They erect and maintain steel, wood or concrete poles, towers and guy wires. They install, maintain and repair overhead and underground power lines and cables, and other associated equipment such as insulators, conductors, lightning arrestors, switches, transformers and lighting systems.

Other duties:

• Interpretation of relevant regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Learning and applying safety practices and procedures.
• Chainsaw, AMP Gun, Hilti and fire extinguisher training.
• Splicing and terminating cables.
• Inspecting and testing overhead and underground power lines and cables using electrical test equipment.
• Climbing poles or operating hydraulic buckets when working aloft.
• Selecting, operating and maintaining tools and equipment.
• Installing, operating and maintaining system protection, control and instrumentation equipment.
• Installing telecommunications systems (fibre optic or telemetering).

Where do Powerline Technicians work?

• Public and private utilities
• Highway and heavy construction firms
• Electrical contractors
• Communications companies
• Generating companies
• Project management firms
• Educational institutes
• Safety associations
• Training delivery agencies
• Government agencies

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Powerline Technician?

• You must complete your secondary school education with credits in math and physics before entering an apprenticeship with a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus four sessions of classroom training for each of the four levels of apprenticeship training.
• A certificate of completion of your apprenticeship training will be issued with successful completion of the apprenticeship training and examinations from each level.
• Red Seal Certification is available for Journeyman Powerline workers, making it easy to work anywhere in Canada.

Average Hourly Earnings: $35.00/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

For more information, check out:

Power Workers’ Union

244 Eglinton Avenue E

Toronto, ON M4P 1K2

416-481-4491

www.pwu.ca

Nuclear Operator

Nuclear Operators spend most of their time monitoring equipment and systems to ensure all safety levels and procedures are followed exactly as planned. It takes great attention to detail as they are always monitoring the system pressure, temperatures and water levels of the plant. Nuclear Operators are responsible for equipment maintenance and surveillance. A significant portion of an operator’s duties is to make rounds of their designated area within the plant to check and maintain the operating status of equipment and systems such as pumps, fans, motors and gauges.

Where do Nuclear Operators work?

• Nuclear Operators work in nuclear electricity generating plants such as Bruce Power, Ontario Power Generation, at isotope generating stations such as Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Chalk River Laboratories and research reactors at Ontario universities.

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be a Nuclear Operator?

• Trainees will go through a two year training program to become qualified as a field operator. After obtaining field experience, a Nuclear Operator may apply to enter the Authorized Nuclear Operator program. This program requires an additional three years of training.
• A high school diploma that includes Grade 12-U (university preparation) mathematics, physics or chemistry, and English. Certification must be maintained by participating in the continuing training program and reviewing operations documentation.

Average Hourly Earnings: $34.26/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

Also known as:

• Power Systems and Power Station Operators

For more information, check out

Power Workers’ Union and Trade Up for Success

244 Eglinton Ave., E.

Toronto, ON M4P 1K2

416-481-4491

www.pwu.ca

www.tradeup.ca

Wind Turbine Technician

Wind Turbine Technicians diagnose, troubleshoot and maintain mechanical wind turbine equipment. Those who work in this field work at heights, travel often and keep up with modern technology and changes in this rapidly-growing industry. There is high demand for skilled and knowledgeable team players.

Main duties include:

• Using hand and power tools, assemble, fit and install prefabricated parts to form subassemblies or finish products.
• Position, align and adjust parts for proper fit and assembly and connect cables, tubes and wires.
• Fasten parts together using bolting and riveting equipment or other fastening and joining techniques.
• Test electrical and electronic equipment and components.
• Move and align subassemblies and components through the use of lifting and transporting devices such as overhead cranes.
• Utilize computer applications as they relate to wind turbines.

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to install wind turbines?

• High school diploma, including grade 12 mathematics.
• Sound knowledge of the electrical and mechanical field as they relate to wind turbines. In your training you will also need to learn about hydraulics, electronics, industrial wiring, and electrical instrumentation, systems and safety training for working at heights and in confined spaces.
• Other education options may include: completion of an industrial electrician or mechanical apprenticeship program, such as millwrighting, machining, heavy equipment repair, or completion of a four-year machine fitter apprenticeship program. Additional certification in a related trade may be required.

Average Hourly Earnings: $30.00/hour*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

For more information, check out:

canWea, The Canadian Wind Energy Association

www.canwea.ca

Environmental Technicians

Environmental Technicians typically work under the direction of an environmental scientist. They monitor, test and search for sources of pollution by performing field and laboratory tests. The work they do helps scientists to devise a plan to rehabilitate polluted areas.

Where do Environmental Technicians work?

• Environmental Technicians are employed by consulting engineering firms, construction companies, environmental equipment supplier, government and mining companies. Per capita, mining companies have more people with environmental responsibilities in their jobs than any other industry.

What kind of education, training and experience do you need to be an Environmental Technician?

• College diploma in environmental and/or technological studies.

Average Hourly Earnings: $23.57*

*Represents the average hourly wage for someone working in this field in Canada – your actual wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, company and location.

Also known as:

• Conservation Technician
• Resource Technician

For more information, check out

Ontario Mining Association

5775 Yonge Street, Suite 520

Toronto, ON M2M 4J1

Telephone: 416-364-9301

www.oma.on.ca