Byrnecut’s Post

I had the incredible privilege of leading a panel discussion with some of SMUD's amazing apprentices for Learn@SMUD! Each panelist that participated in the session is currently in or has completed one of SMUD's many apprenticeship programs. Their stories were truly inspirational, offering valuable insights for anyone considering a career in the skilled trades. Here's some highlights: Diverse Paths, Shared Passion: The apprentices came from varying backgrounds, with some transitioning from other careers and others fresh out of high school. Despite their differences, they were all united by their passion for working in the field, critical thinking/problem solving, and building a rewarding career. Benefits Beyond Compare: Apprenticeship programs offer a fantastic blend of on-the-job training and classroom learning. Our panelists spoke highly of the mentorship they received, the practical skills they developed, and the importance of taking initiative and maintaining a positive attitude. Plus, upon completion, they transition into journey level positions at SMUD with strong benefits and growth opportunities. 15 Unique Programs: Did you know SMUD offers 15 different apprenticeship programs across various trades, from Cable Splicing and Lineman to Substation Electrician and Meter Technician? I left the discussion feeling incredibly proud of the talent and dedication of SMUD's apprentices. Their stories are a testament to the power of skilled trades careers and the incredible opportunities available through apprenticeship programs. Thinking about a career change or a path that's both challenging and rewarding? Explore SMUD's apprenticeship programs! #SMUD #Apprenticeship #SkilledTrades #Careers #Mentorship #Community #Inspiration

As we face an acute labour shortage in the skilled trades, now more than ever, investing in apprenticeships is not just good business—it’s essential. The recent Procore Groundbreak Conference underscored how workforce development is the foundation of innovation and resilience in construction. A critical takeaway: addressing the labour gap starts with empowering the next generation of trades professionals through mentorship, training, and opportunity.   Here in BC, Apprenticeship Recognition Month celebrates the record-breaking 15,000+ apprentices currently training across over 65 skilled trades programs. This is a testament to the growing momentum in trades education, supported by initiatives like SkilledTradesBC and increased government funding. With more than 83,000 skilled trades jobs expected in BC over the next decade, it’s clear that fostering apprenticeship programs is vital to building not just infrastructure but a stronger, future-ready workforce.   At Houle, we take pride in mentoring apprentices, ensuring they gain the skills and certifications that not only enhance their careers but also strengthen our industry as a whole. Apprenticeships don’t just fill jobs—they create leaders.   This November, let’s celebrate the contributions of apprentices and their mentors while committing to expand opportunities. Together, we can shape a more sustainable, skilled, and innovative future for our province and beyond.   #SkilledTrades #ApprenticeshipRecognitionMonth #Leadership #WorkforceDevelopment #ConstructionInnovation #GBK24

Happy National Lineworker Appreciation Day! Kawehi Sablan, an April 2024 lineman graduate on Oahu, shared his experience with our lineman apprenticeship program. Our #lineman apprenticeship program is unique. We pay apprentices for their education and training during their time in the program and cover costs for any material and/or equipment. When you're accepted into the program, you're already considered as an employee. In other states, you'll need to complete an apprenticeship on your own dime before being able to apply for a lineman position at a utility. Essentially, you're paid while you learn as a lineman apprentice at Hawaiian Electric. We train our linemen using the same resources as Northwest Lineman College, a top-tier and recognized educational institution in our industry. You will start as a "Senior Helper" and will be required to complete 6,000 combined hours of hands-on and on-the-job work experience. In addition, you'll also need to complete 750 hours of classroom training. Afterwards, you'll graduate and be promoted to a lineman. The program takes a novice through four different "processes." Each process qualifies you to do certain types of electrical work. Process 1 teaches you how to climb and use your equipment and tools. Process 2 qualifies you to do "hot" (or energized) low voltage work, which is more commonly done for homes and businesses. Process 3 will qualify you to work on hot primary and secondary lines, which can go up to 12,000 volts. Those are the lines you see on top of utility poles. Process 4 focuses on transmission lines, which are found in the mountains and those go up to 138,000 volts. You can expect the lines to stay hot during training. Being a lineman is dangerous job so there’s plenty of training and education required. Read our latest Medium blog to learn more about the lineman apprenticeship program at https://t.co/W4afHmGfje. Make sure to thank your local lineman and let them know they are appreciated. They make a lot of sacrifices to keep the lights on. Edison Electric Institute International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (Local 1260)

To round off celebrating National Apprenticeship week, a great example of how an Apprenticeship provided a solid foundation for Linda’s future career. Check out the link below 👇 #Skillsforlife #nationalapprenticeshipweek #skillsforsuccess #apprenticeships

What is the minimum qualification for crane operator? While there are no strict formal qualifications required to become a crane operator, it's generally recommended to pursue either a college course, an apprenticeship, or gain experience through direct employment with an employer. These pathways can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the role. Additionally, obtaining relevant certifications and licenses may also be necessary depending on the jurisdiction and type of crane operation.

A Cement Mason finishes, smooths, and repairs concrete surfaces like sidewalks, roads, and bridges. Learn more about this career path in highway construction through our Apprenticeship Readiness Course! 🧱

Meet our Service Technician Paulo Muntean. Paulo is an Apprentice out of Local 447 and has been with us since 2022. Check out what he had to say about being in the trades during National Apprenticeship Week. 1. Why did you choose to start your career path as an Apprentice? Did anyone in particular influence you? My family is multi-generational in the HVAC industry. My father, grandfather etc. I decided to go more the service route. I had someone I knew for a long time working for Intech Brandon Nelson, who is now a journeyman on the service side, tell me about joining the union. 2. What advice do you have for someone thinking about becoming an Apprentice? Always be super eager to learn. There is so much to get familiar with in the trade but it's like joining a family and everyone has your back. Knowledge is shared freely. And finally, to take it serious as this as a career path, and the skills and the knowledge will always be with you. 3. What project or accomplishment as an Apprentice are you most proud of? One of the biggest projects I was part of was installing cooling at Mercy General Hospital in Oakland. They never had cooling, and we had to work to get 4 Daikin systems installed and piped into a new evaporator coil inside the mechanical room. Was cool being a part of such a big job and getting it all up and cooling. #trades #mechanicalcontractor #bestplacestowork

What to expect going from one job to another? There is a good chance, if you get into a blue collar apprenticeship (especially a union one) that you will get transferred from one job to another job to get hours in a different field within that trade. If you look at the lineman trade for example, people may think "oh you work on powerlines." Well yes, but there are many different powerlines to work on. Inside an IBEW lineman apprenticeship, you have to get "x" amount of hours in the different categories within the trade. Get hours in; transmission, overhead distribution (cold hours, hot hours), substation, underground... ...it equals out to a well rounded 7,000 hour/3-4 year apprenticeship so you can become a journeymen with the proper experience. So, getting transferred to a new crew, different job, new company is going to happen. What should you expect when that time comes? What would you tell a new apprentice? In this weeks video: 3 Ways to help you when you get transferred to a new job. Read & learn more here 👇🏼 https://lnkd.in/ge4wrMNA #bluecollar #education #career #skilledtrades #apprenticeship

Hear what real apprentices have to say about their apprenticeships! To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we have asked some of our current apprentices some of the frequently asked questions surrounding apprenticeships. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eKdrAAw6 #NationalApprenticeshipWeek2024 #NationalApprenticeshipWeek #NAW24

Our apprentices have come a long way!   We are often amazed by their progress, and we love it when they recognise this too.   Take a look at what Noah, from our second cohort, has to say about his journey this way… https://lnkd.in/eTuPRb_u #Pipeline #PipelineInspector #PipelineInspection #Apprenticeship #Apprentice #ApprenticeJourney