Electrical Apprenticeship Opportunities

Outside Linemen ensure that electrical power is properly distributed from power plant generation facilities to end­ users. They are responsible for the installation and maintenance of all types of power transmission and distribution systems for industrial, commercial, and residential markets.

Inside Wireman install and maintain all of the various types of electrical systems found in commercial and industrial facilities. Equipment used may include lighting, receptacles, motors, heating equipment, and systems that control the operation of all of a facility's energy usage.

The Inside Wireman installs conduit systems that contain wire from the motor control centers panelboards to all of the equipment that uses electricity. Those conduits may contain power cables or control cables. Many of the conduit systems are exposed and must be installed to exacting standards using neat and workmanlike craftsmanship.

The work of an Inside Wireman can vary. One day the Inside Wireman could be installing a Fire Alarm System or Security System in high rise buildings and the next day he or she could be installing conduit in a ditch on the outside of the building. Inside Wiremen also install electrical systems in industrial facilities such as chemical plants, power plants, chip manufacturing facilities and automobile plants. Each type of installation has specific electrical needs and systems to support those needs.

Installer Technicians work beside Wireman, installing the network of low voltage cabling that is used for video, voice and data or other low voltage signaling. Backbone voice and data cables are routed between the entrance facility, where communications signals enter a building, to equipment and telephone rooms. Voice and data horizontal cables are routed between telephone or equipment rooms and individual workstations throughout the building.

Equipment rooms often contain energized equipment such as hubs, file servers or telephone switches. These devices are configured and connected to the communications network that serves the building and must not be interrupted.