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Metering Technician Apprenticeship
Did you know?*
- Earnings are higher than in most other occupations that do not require postsecondary education.
- A growing number of retirements should create very good job opportunities, especially for metering technicians.
- Line metering technicians often work outdoors, and conditions can be hazardous.
- Most metering technicians require several years of long-term on-the-job training.
*Statistics retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Does a Metering Technician Do?
Metering Technicians install, remove, and maintain electric metering systems and equipment. They test meters and perform necessary repairs.
Tasks:
- Perform meter testing- set up test equipment, perform “as found” tests, address meter programming, perform component inspections, perform meter calibration, and perform “as left” tests, record meter test results.
- Install meters and associated equipment.
- Investigating power diversions, review customer account history, conduct on-site investigation, collect physical evidence, and check for illegal taps.
- Ensure public and crew safety, including: personal protection equipment, emergency procedures and training.
- Remains current with all metering systems and safety practices.
- Drives motor vehicles.
- Uses a variety of hand tools, including shovels, drills and compression tools.
- Maintain electronic and paper records, reports, etc.
- Work with the public on a regular basis.
What Are the Working Conditions?
Metering Technicians are required to work outdoors in all types of weather. Most usually work a 40 hour week, but could be required to work during severe weather to repair damaged metering equipment, may work long and irregular hours to restore service.
How is the Training Structured?
- 3 year training program
- 6,240 hours on-the-job training
- 480 hours paid related instruction
- Apprentice must complete Red Cross First Aid and CPR Course and maintain certification throughout the apprenticeship
- Apprentice in his/her final year must complete the Transition-To-Trainer Course
What are the Application Requirements?
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Meet required norms on aptitude test (if required)
- Physically able to perform trade
- Valid driver's license or reliable transportation
What Skills Should I Possess?
- Judgment and Decision Making- Must be able to analyze situations based on available data, resolve problems, and make appropriate decisions for each situation.
- Communication Skills- Legible hand-writing, the ability to interact, communicate and have the ability to listen to and understand information from co-workers, customers, and other utility companies.
- Hearing and Vision- Physical ability to hear and use near and far vision and color acuity.
- Work Ethic- Must show up fit for duty every day both at work and in the classroom.
- Interpersonal Skills- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Physical Skills:
- Climb and work from ladders safely.
- The ability to coordinate two or more limbs while sitting, standing, and/or lying down.
- Occasionally works with energized lines which must be handled according to NESC/OSHA/NEC and other appropriate state agency specifications and safety practices to avoid electric shock.
- Frequently lifts materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally lifts items that weigh up to 100 pounds.
- Requires the ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, twist upper body, and manipulate a variety of objects and tools.
Who Should I Contact In My Area?
Northeast
| Your County: | Your BAS Representative: |
|---|---|
| Outagamie, Waupaca | Jane Kramer |
| Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Vilas, Wood | Debbie Fochs |
Northwest
| Your County: | Your BAS Representative: |
|---|---|
| Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iron, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Washburn | Myra Stachowicz |
| Adams, Price, Taylor | Debbie Fochs |
Southeast
| Your County: | Your BAS Representative: |
|---|---|
| Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Kewaunee, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Waushara, Winnebago | Jane Kramer |
| Columbia, Green Lake, Jefferson, Marquette | Debbie Schanke |
| Dane, Rock | Mary Pierce |
| Kenosha, Racine, Walworth | Sandy Brietzman |
| Waukesha | Bob Scheldroup Hafeezah Ahmad |
| Milwaukee | Kay Haishuk Hafeezah Ahmad |
| Fond du Lac, Manitowoc, Sheboygan | Sandra Destree |
| Dodge, Ozaukee, Washington | Barb Robakowski |
Southwest
| Your County: | Your BAS Representative: |
|---|---|
| Sauk | Debbie Schanke |
| Buffalo, Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Trempeleau, Vernon | Kathy O'Sullivan |
Additional Resources
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains information on all occupations. For more information on the Metering Technician trade in the United States, visit:
Sources: Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Position Descriptions,
Apprenticeship in Wisconsin Handbook