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Are these paid positions? How much is the starting pay?
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Yes. Starting pay for apprentices is between $18.00 (Utility Construction Worker) and $23.00 (Electrical ApprenticeshipTrades) per hour with medical, vision and dental insurance. Journey-level worker's pay is around $35.00 per hour. (Cost of living adjustments change the rate yearly). Overtime pay for an apprentice or journey-level worker is double the regular rate."
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What are the work
hours and where would we report to work?
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The workday at Seattle
City Light is 7:45 AM to 4:15 PM, Monday through Friday.
This is a regular 40-hour work week. If you are hired as
a lineworker pre-apprentice you will work only these
hours. Overtime will become an option when your full
apprenticeship starts.
Lineworker & Cable Splicer Apprentices
will be assigned to one of two worksites: South Service
Center (4th & Spokane) or the North Service Center
(97th & Stone Way N).
Laborer Apprentices will
be assigned to South Service Center.
Electrician Construtor
Apprentices assignments will be rotated amongst various
substations throught the Seattle City Light Distribution
area.
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What is the
application and what is the selection process?
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When a job opening has
been announced, most application processes involve
the following steps:
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Application form --Complete and return application form. If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you will be invited to take a:
- Written exam --This measures aptitude for math and mechanical theory. The next step is an:
- Interview --This will
involve a panel inteview and may include a
working test to measure mechical aptitude, skill,
safety and speed. After the interview, references for final candidates are called. Those among
the final choices for employment will be asked to
pass a:
- Basic medical
examination and a drug test.
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How long does the apprenticeship last?
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The Lineworker, Cable
Splicer, and Electrician Constructor Apprenticeships at
Seattle City Light are four-year training programs. After
successful completion of the on-the-job training,
academic night school, and passing several city, union,
and industry exams, the apprentice becomes a
journey-level worker.
In addition, lineworker apprentices must
complete a 6 month Lineworker Pre-Apprentice Program.
During this time pre-apprentices are temporary employees
and will be required to satisfy several requirements to
show progress in ability to do the job. The first five
months include paid, on-the-job training such as: 1)
working on the electrical line crews learning
"ground work,", 2) physical fitness training, 3) electrical pole climbing and 4) other employee training
for productivity and safety.
At the end of the fifth
month, pre-apprentices must pass "graduation
tests" in the following areas:
- cardiovascular
capacity
- upper body strength
- field skills
- pole climbing.
Once these tests are
passed, the pre-apprentice becomes a lineworker apprentice and a regular employee of Seattle City Light.
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When does a
Pre-Apprentice become an Apprentice?
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Pre-Apprentices become
full lineworker apprentices upon successful completion of
the Graduation Physical Fitness, Skills and Pole Climbing
Tests. This occurs six months after the initial hire date
and when 1040 on-the-job training hours have been
completed. New apprentices are probationary employees for
one year.
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What are the minimum requirements to apply?
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For all apprenticeships you must:
- be at least 18 years old;
- have graduated from high school or have a GED;
- have a Washington State Driver’s License or be able to get one;
- have successfully passed a high school level algebra class or the equivalent.
- meet specific requirements as listed below.
Documented proof may be required. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the program or job termination.
In addition, for Cable Splicer, and Electrician Constructor:
You must have 1-5 as listed above and
- one (1) year of electrical experience (either on the job or school, or a combination of both).
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What’s on the application tests?
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For Pre-Apprentice Lineworker:
The written test for pre-apprentice lineworker includes high school level algebra, tool recognition, and mechanical aptitude. You do not need to know how to answer lineworker level questions but you will have to show the potential to learn material. You must score competitively on this test to continue in the application process. Some of the candidates will continue on to the mechanical aptitude test and the physical test.
For Cable Splicer, Electrician Constructor:
The written test includes high school level algebra, basic electrical theory, and some elementary mechanics. You do not need to know how to answer journey-level questions but you will have to show some familiarity with the basics. You must score competitively on this test to continue in the application process. Some of the candidates will continue on to the working test. The working test consists of basic electrical theory, tool usage, and mechanical aptitude.
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What’s on the pre-apprenticeship lineworker mechanical aptitude application test?
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You will be asked to do a work simulation activity. You will use some basic Lineworker Apprentice tools and equipment. The purpose is to test your ability to accurately follow instructions and use your hands productively to put together equipment such as nuts and bolts. You do not need previous electrical experience to pass this test; you need only the potential to learn the skills required of the job.
You must pass this test to continue in the application process. This test is scored as pass or fail.
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What’s on the
pre-apprenticeship lineworker physical application test?
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There are three strength stations to evaluate physical ability. Chin-ups, up-right rows, and grip measurement measure the ability to perform upper body strength activities. The step test is a measure of cardiovascular capacity. The step test simulates pole climbing. The candidate will be asked to perform continuous climbing on a 11-inch step for 6 minutes. The step test score is determined by a measure of how high the heart rate response is. A lower heart rate during the stepping gives a better score.
The candidate must pass each of these tests to continue in the application process. Doing the best possible on each physical test improves the candidate's score and chances of being invited to interview.
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What are the interview
panels like?
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Some applicants with high
combined scores will be asked to interview. We consider
combined test scores, affirmative action regulations and
Seattle City Light's needs when choosing who and how many
candidates to interview.
The interview panel will be made up of
several City Light employees. Often crew chiefs, journey-level workers and apprenticeship office staff are on the panel. The panel will ask the same prepared questions of each candidate interviewed. Typical interview questions cover past experiences, skills, strengths and why the interviewee is the best candidate for the job. Candidates are to bring a resume and three work and personal references with them. They may ask the panel questions when the interview is concluded.
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Does Seattle City Light do drug testing?
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The City of Seattle tests
all new city employees as part of its Drugfree Workplace
Program. Because apprentices are required to get a CDL
(commercial driver’s license), random drug tests
will be conducted throughout their career.
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What does
Veterans’ Preference Mean?
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Seattle City Light is not giving Veterans Prefeferance at this time although City Light has given this preference in the past and may do so again in the future.
The City of Seattle honors
Veterans’ Preference. In the State of Washington, to
be eligible for Veterans’ preference an individual
must have been released from active duty within the last
eight years and served during a time of war/conflict, or
been awarded an armed forces expeditionary medal. If you
meet these qualifications and chose to claim
Veteran’s Preference, you must notify the City of Seattle's Personnel Department during the testing process.
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