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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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Who Should I Contact In My Area?

Choose your area: Northeast | Northwest | Southeast | Southwest

Northeast

Your County:	Your BAS Representative:
Outagamie, Waupaca	Lisa Perkofski
Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Vilas, Wood	Ben Stahlecker

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	Travis Ludvigson
Adams, Price, Taylor	Ben Stahlecker

Southeast

Your County:	Your BAS Representative:
Brown, Door, Florence, Kewaunee, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano	Burt Harding
Waushara, Winnebago	Lisa Perkofski
Columbia, Green Lake, Jefferson, Marquette, Sauk	Debbie Schanke
Dane	Mary Pierce
Kenosha, Racine, Rock, Walworth	Sandy Brietzman
Waukesha	Bob Scheldroup Hafeezah Ahmad
Milwaukee	Kay Haishuk Hafeezah Ahmad
Calumet, Fond du Lac, Manitowoc, Sheboygan	Sandra Destree
Dodge, Ozaukee, Washington	Barb Robakowski

Southwest

Your County:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
Sauk	Debbie Schanke
Buffalo, Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Trempeleau, Vernon	Kathy O'Sullivan

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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:

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Sources: Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Position Descriptions,
Apprenticeship in Wisconsin Handbook