On-the-job training is suitable for some vocations — but not when the work involves scaling power poles and handling high-voltage lines.
The skills for these and other potentially dangerous tasks are acquired just west of Red Deer at FortisAlberta’s Employee Development Centre.
There, apprentice power line technicians and other trainees from across Alberta and beyond have access to an array of equipment: indoor and outdoor power poles, energized power lines above and below ground, and the only working sub-station dedicated to training in Canada.
“The beauty of this facility is that it’s not just classroom but it’s practical as well,” said Neil McFarlane, manager of work methods and training at the centre.
Students learn the formulas and calculations needed for the theory side of their industry, but also get to climb poles, work on live wires, make connections, test and repair equipment, and perform virtually every task they’re likely to encounter in the field.
“The guys get to operate it all,” said McFarlane.
Some of the training is specialized, such as working on live 25,000-volt lines.
“We keep the power on to be able to change poles and wires and arms and insulators and various hardware so that the lights stay on,” he explained.
Safety is emphasized throughout, added McFarlane, “because you don’t get a second chance with power.”
Developed by Calgary Power in 1978, the training facility was certified by the province for apprenticeship training in 1981.
It’s undergone various expansions and improvements since, and now consists of 30,000 square feet of building space on about 40 acres.
Planned for this fall is a 120- by 45-foot (37- by 14-metre) tent that will enclose power poles, and another enclosure for an underground training area, said McFarlane. These will allow trainees to work outdoors during inclement weather.
Staff consists of three “technical training specialists” who work primarily on-site, three “work method specialists” who focus on field-coaching and mentoring, and two administrative staff.
FortisAlberta Inc. took over the centre in 2004 when its parent, Fortis Inc., acquired Aquila Networks (Alberta) Inc. All of FortisAlberta’s apprentices now attend there, as well as the company’s approximately 345 power line technicians, who visit every year for skills upgrading.
FortisAlberta also provides training on a contract basis to its sister company FortisBC and to AltaLink. It’s even hosted linemen from Grand Cayman and sent an instructor to Belize.
As of mid-June, the centre had performed approximately 15,000 man-hours of training spread over 42 programs, said McFarlane.
Much of this related to apprentices, who study and perform practical work over four years en route to becoming journeyman power line technicians.
Entry into the trade requires at least Grade 12 math and English, and FortisAlberta brings high school students to the centre under Alberta’s Registered Apprentice Program (RAP).
“We normally hire around 10 kids thoughout the summertime each year, and if things work out they tend to get into our registered apprentice program with the Alberta government.”
The Employee Development Centre is also used frequently for FortisAlberta business meetings, said McFarlane.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com