PGE - Pre-Apprentice Program (2024)

Hello:

Thank you for your interest in PGE! It sounds like you’re interested in becoming a Journeyman Lineman! The Pre-Apprentice Program at PGE is the place to start. It’s the first step to become a Journeyman Lineman at PGE. This year, PGE pays $36.24/hour with excellent union benefits. If you are not a member of the IBEW now, you can join on your first day of employment.

I’m going to share A LOT of information below. It can be overwhelming, so if you have any questions, or would like to discuss further, I would be more than happy to get on a call. Here we go!

This year, the position will post on Friday, August 9^th, 2024. The whole process takes 4+ months from the initial date of posting to when the class has its first day. Here is a link to our Careers page so you can keep an eye open.

Before you apply, you will need to prepare some documentation to attach to your application:

• First, start working on your Resume and Cover Letter. You must have a resume, but cover letters are not required. Some candidates want to tell us why PGE and why they want to become a Pre-Apprentice which can be a powerful statement to the hiring committee. Please prepare in Microsoft Word or PDF if possible. Libraries are excellent resources for this if you do not have access to a computer or software. If you do not have a resume and are a little nervous about creating one, you are not alone! I always recommend searching the internet for examples to draw from. There are some easy-to-use templates available online if you search “Pre-Apprentice Lineman Resume Examples”.

• Obtain an electronic copy or photo of your High School Diploma or GED. You can also scan a transcript with your date of graduation.

• The position requires that you have proof of passing Math 60 OR have taken a placement test that places you at or above Math 65. The grade or score are good for 36 months (3 years) from the date of your application. Math 60 is intermediate Algebra. Placement tests are offered free at many community colleges like Clackamas Community College or Portland Community College. You may need to enroll to be able to access the test. Your score must have your name and the date of your test.

A few pointers while you are preparing:

• If you do not attach the requested documentation to your application, you will not be moving forward in the process. If something is missing from your application, we will notify you, but once the posting comes down, we will not be accepting any additional documents.

• Look into the requirements for obtaining a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) Permit. A CDL permit is required at the time of offer, so being aware of those requirements in advance is helpful. Please do not wait until the last minute as you may not be able to get an appointment.

• Do some research on the IBEW NJATC Aptitude test. See this link to the website to test your Algebra and Reading comprehension skills.

• If you have not already taken it, there will be time dedicated to taking it during the application process if you are move forward by the Pre-Apprentice Committee. You must have a score of 4 or higher to move forward and these scores are good for 2 years.
• If you have taken the test before, and did not get a passing score, you can take the test again after 6 months. If you take the test, make sure you have an electronic notification of your score (with your name and the date of the test) so you can attach it to your application. All scores will be verified with the NJATC.

• Prepare for the pole yard assessment by physical conditioning. Passing the pole yard assessment requires strength and stamina in climbing, digging, lifting, and pulling, so exercise and conditioning that helps in those activities is recommended. If you are invited to this stage in the process, plan on 4 hours for 2 days in a row. If you are successful on the 1st day, you will be invited back for the 2nd day. The assessment activities are mostly the same for the 2nd day, just a little more challenging.

• If you are not working, you can go to the IBEW 125 and sign the “out of work” books and get paid experience in the trade. Experience in outside construction, tree trimming, and flagging is also valued.

• If feasible, line schools such as VOLTA and NW Lineman College offer excellent programs to get you started on the basics of line work, but it is not required.

If you have any questions for me, please let me know. You can reach me at the number below or respond to this email. I’m happy to spend some time talking through this in more detail.

Thanks again and hope to see your application!