Seattle City Light | Apprenticeship | Pre-Apprentice Lineworker

PAL (Pre-Apprentice Lineworker) / Lineworker Apprentice

Hiring Process

Candidates must successfully complete and score competitively on:

Written application and a review of their complete driving record
Written test on electrical theory, mathematics, mechanical reasoning, and worker attributes
Working tests demonstrating knowledge of tools and electrical equipment, and the ability to perform work functions and follow directions
Oral panel interview
Reference check – three work related references of your choice will be contacted
Pre-Employment physical - (A medical examination of the applicant to determine whether he or she can perform the mental and physical functions of the job.)
Drug test - -(Apprentices must have the ability to obtain a Class "A" CDL and under Federal Law they will be randomly drug tested throughout their career.)
Background check - (Includes criminal history, driving record, education, and employment verification.)

PAL Overview and Expectations:

Pre-Apprentice Lineworker (PAL) Program is a paid, six-month probationary training position designed to help new employees learn about the job and get the skills needed to become Lineworker Apprentices.
Instruction includes basic equipment preparation and "ground work" to assist crews, increase productivity and to work safely around high voltage electrical equipment.
PALs work with line crews to experience and observe the full spectrum of duties, tasks, and chores of the Lineworker craft.
PALs training includes physical workout in preparation for the demands of the job.
PALs will receive CDL training and must obtain a Class "A" CDL. Under Federal Law, employees with a CDL endorsement will be randomly drug tested throughout their career.
PALs must learn to climb and maneuver into good working position on wooden poles using a variety of methods and styles of equipment. Instruction in wooden pole climbing begins gradually and progress through basic skills and heights up to 40 feet.
To graduate into the Lineworker Apprenticeship Program, PALs must successfully pass a set of physical capacity exams, three working skills tests and a series of pole climbing tests.
PAL Graduates become Lineworker Apprentices as "regular employees" and are probationary for one year.
Apprentices enter the 7000 hour Lineworker Apprenticeship learning to work with high voltage electrical equipment in a variety of settings and adverse weather conditions.
Lineworker Apprentices attend at least 144 hours of Related Supplemental Instruction one evening a week throughout the school year for 3 years.