Abstract

The Workforce Development Institute is collaborating with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Northeastern Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, the National Electrical Contractor’s Association, and major utilities to ensure that adequate numbers of lineman are trained and available to install, maintain, and support the New York State electric power sector. The program will upgrade and improve skills needed to support Smart Grid implementation. This project will result in 450 new apprenticeship positions and establish a career path for these individuals to move from pre-apprentices to apprentices to journeymen. The project is also training 800 current lineworkers (journeymen, current apprentices, groundhands, splicers, and equipment operators) with adequate knowledge for job retention and implementation of the Smart Grid. Trainees are immediately placed in jobs.