The Turlock Irrigation District’s eight new apprentice lineworkers are now out on the job, working to ensure the region’s electrical system is in tip-top shape.
Those eight apprentice lineworkers were the cream of the crop, selected from a pool of more than 400 applicants. But despite their qualifications, the apprentice lineworkers needed further training before they could go out in the field with TID crews.
The eight lineworkers attended a 10-day climbing school in May, where they ascended and descended power polls ten times a day.
“They worked them pretty good, pretty hard into the ground,” said Aaron Baker, TID Line Division Manager. “And all of them passed.”
The workers learned everything from basic knot tying to safety practices and how to identify different types of cable at the climbing school.
This is the first time TID has sent apprentice lineworkers to climbing school before beginning their training with district crews. So far it’s working well, Baker said, as the employees are prepared to immediately contribute to the crews.
“They’re working hard, they’re taking their calls, they’re doing what they’re supposed to do,” Baker said.
The apprentice lineworkers will become fully certified in three-and-a-half years. In addition to their daily work, the apprentices are studying for an ongoing online testing program which will grant their certification.
“It’s good to see those guys are doing a good job out there,” TID Board of Directors Chairman Ron Macedo said.
