MidAmerican recognizes National Apprenticeship Week
Apprenticeships spark electric, gas and generation careers
DES MOINES, Iowa – (Nov. 15, 2022) – In conjunction with National Apprenticeship Week (November 14-20, 2022), MidAmerican Energy is celebrating its 60th year of offering apprenticeship programs. This training approach is instrumental in equipping a team to deliver safe and reliable service to MidAmerican’s customers.
Today, MidAmerican’s program includes 20 registered apprenticeships in electric delivery, gas delivery and generation. More than 200 apprentices are currently enrolled in these programs, including line mechanic, substation electrician, gas welder, gas journeyman and mechanic welder programs.
“MidAmerican provides its apprentices with great educational and career opportunities at our world-class training facility,” Chelsea McCracken, vice president of safety, training and development, said. “Our apprentices begin their careers as highly trained, safety-driven professionals who are well-equipped with the knowledge, skills and resources they need to best serve our customers.”
Apprenticeship requirements
Most apprenticeships are completed in six-month phases over a period of 18 months to four years. At each six-month interval, apprentices must complete a certain number of hours working in the field and participating in classroom training. And, they must pass both written and practical – or hands-on – tests to ensure they have the skills and knowledge necessary to move on in the program. Within each phase, apprentices focus on learning specific skills by watching and helping others perform related tasks in the field.
Most apprenticeships are completed in six-month phases over a period of 18 months to four years. At each six-month interval, apprentices must complete a certain number of hours working in the field and participating in classroom training. And, they must pass both written and practical – or hands-on – tests to ensure they have the skills and knowledge necessary to move on in the program. Within each phase, apprentices focus on learning specific skills by watching and helping others perform related tasks in the field.
Most line mechanic apprenticeships are four-year programs, but MidAmerican apprentices can complete the program in two years.
“The energy industry is a great place to have a fulfilling career – and apprenticeship programs make the training accessible and allow participants to earn a full wage sooner,” McCracken continued.
To successfully complete an apprenticeship program, those enrolled must demonstrate that they can safely and accurately perform all aspects of their position on their own. Upon completion, the employee becomes a journeyperson in that craft – a designation they hold for life.
Eligibility
To be eligible for one of MidAmerican’s trades and crafts apprenticeship programs, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED
- Meet specific qualifications for the posted apprenticeship program including passing a pre-employment test
- Successfully master the skills to advance to each level of training
- The line mechanic apprenticeship program also requires a certificate or degree from a one-year, approved line school. To find a program, search for "electric line programs" or "utility technician programs" at technical colleges near you.
For more information on one of MidAmerican's Registered Apprentice programs, go to midamericanenergy.com/careers.
About MidAmerican Energy
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 795,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 774,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican Energy is available at midamericanenergy.com and company social media channels.
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 795,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 774,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican Energy is available at midamericanenergy.com and company social media channels.