Bluebonnet Electric Apprentice Program

Bluebonnet Electric Apprentice Program

1Why the Need?Obtain a More Well-rounded Line-worker.

Improve Worker Training and Safety.

Improve the Companys Overall Knowledge Base.

You may have a young work force that needs to be trained or a work force that has experienced line workers that are in need of becoming a more well rounded worker.

Apprentice programs can improve worker training by teaching skills the worker may not have or by improving on the skills they may already have.

When you have employees that go through an apprenticeship program, those workers take that knowledge back to their crews and influence the crew as a whole.2How To Get Started?Form a Committee/Team to Put Pieces Together.

Pick a Program That Best Fits Your Organization;What are your needs?Start-up vs. Placement Program.

When the decision is made to start an apprentice program the director or manager of the program need to chose a team that best fits what your needs.

Start up vs. placement. What are the pros and cons and why you might need both.3How To Get Started? (cont.) Bluebonnet chose T&D Power Skills

We started with another program but felt like we did not get the result we were looking for. We had current employees who went through the T&D Power skills program and suggested we look at going that direction. After seeing all that T&D had to offer with the book learning, the video and the field training that went with it, we made our decision to go with T&D.4

5About T&D PowerSkillsComprehensive videos and workbooks

Up to date skills instruction

Customizable

T&D PowerSkills is a comprehensive 78-title video and workbook based lineman training curriculum

Geared to instruct electric utility lineworkers with up-to-date, safety-related work practices and technical skills related to the installation, maintenance, and removal of transmission and distribution systems

Initially designed to be a four-year apprenticeship program it can be customized on-demand and is available to supplement an existing training program or as a stand alone program all on its own

6Curriculum FeaturesStimulating and geared to adult learners. Knowledge checks throughout. Final unit tests included. Student Workbooks include: U.S. DOL OSHA Regulation Snap-Shots Field Performance Requirements (FPR) checklist for documenting skill proficiency development in the field.

Full motion video, audio, three-dimensional graphics, animation, and simulation exercises all to help stimulate and involve the trainee in real-life procedures and experiences

Quizzes appear throughout each course to keep the instruction challenging

Final unit tests are included in the Instructors Guide for each course unit no need to create your own

7What are the Benefits?Both Apprentice and Journeyman lineworkersReduction of learning timeConsistency of training deliveryBetter understanding of lineworker safety and technical skillsImproved monitoring of skills developmentA documentation system: Electronic or Hard CopyRemedial or refresher training

8Next StepsContact the U.S. Department of Labor.

Meet with your area manager.

Write your standards.

Obtain approval from DOL on your Standards.9Manage Your ProgramChoosing Your People Wisely to fill vital roles.Director

HR Representative

Trainers

Administration/Recordkeeping 10Managing Your Program (cont.)Track Your Progress

Keep your Apprentices on track

Keep your Managers up to date

Use your Committee to adhere and update standards

Keep In Contact With DOL Representative

Make sure you use some sort of spreadsheet to track the progress of each individual apprentice o ensure the apprentice is up to date or to see if the apprentice is struggling and may need some additional help.

You want to ensure that your managers and supervisors are kept up to date so they can see the progress made by the apprentice or to see if something needs to be done if an apprentice is behind or has issues with attendance.

Try to have regular meetings with your committee to keep up to date with apprentice progress as well as getting any updates from the dept of labor and making any needed changes to improve the program. 11Questions??

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