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Cable Installation Apprentice Jobs in Durham, NC

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Cable Installation Apprentice information

See Durham, NC salary details

$11

$18

$22

How much do cable installation apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cable installation apprentice in Durham, NC is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cable installation apprentice?

Cable installation apprentices are entry-level workers who assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of cables used for telecommunications, internet, and television services. Under the supervision of experienced technicians, apprentices learn how to run cables, connect equipment, troubleshoot issues, and ensure all work meets safety and industry standards. This role typically combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, helping apprentices develop the skills needed to eventually become fully qualified cable installers.

What does a cable installation apprentice do?

As a Cable Installation Apprentice, your typical day involves assisting experienced technicians with installing, maintaining, and repairing cable systems in residential or commercial settings. Tasks are usually assigned at the start of the shift, either by a supervisor or through a work order system, and can include running cables, setting up equipment, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and interacting with customers to explain services. You’ll often work as part of a small crew, learning hands-on skills while following safety and industry standards. Collaboration is key, as you’ll regularly communicate with team members and occasionally with other trades to ensure smooth installations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cable installation apprentice?

To thrive as a Cable Installation Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of electrical systems, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety equipment, and sometimes OSHA certification is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you excel in both team environments and when interacting with customers. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient cable installations that meet industry standards.

What is the difference between Cable Installation Apprentice vs Cable Installer?

AspectCable Installation ApprenticeCable Installer
CredentialsHigh school diploma; on-the-job training; some certificationsHigh school diploma; experience; certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction sites, or job sites under supervisionActive job sites, residential and commercial buildings
Job RoleLearning installation techniques, safety procedures, assisting senior techniciansInstalling, repairing, and maintaining cable systems independently

The main difference is that a Cable Installation Apprentice is in training, gaining skills under supervision, while a Cable Installer is a fully qualified worker performing installations independently. Apprentices focus on learning, whereas installers are responsible for completing projects efficiently and safely.

How do I become a cable installation apprentice?

To become a cable installation apprentice, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a background check. Apprenticeship programs are often offered through unions or cable companies and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, focusing on skills like cable splicing, wiring, and safety procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Cable Installation Apprentice jobs in Durham, NC?

For Cable Installation Apprentice jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cable Installation Apprentice jobs in Durham, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Cable Installation Apprentice jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Cable Installation Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Cable Installation Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Cable Installation Apprentice job openings in Durham, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,835 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Advanced Level Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 3 or 4

Duke Energy

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Duke Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 167 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, August 26, 2026More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

* A resume is required for application to this job positng. Please make sure to include an updated resume detailing your previous employment and work experience duties*

Job Summary

This position supports the operations process in providing and maintaining service to new and existing customers by maintaining a working knowledge of computer systems, tools, equipment, and material necessary to install, maintain and repair the vault and manhole underground distribution system. The position should be familiar with the day-to-day operations and specifications of the vault and manhole distribution system. This position may not be required to be on-call on a routine basis and also be available to work all hours as needed, day or night, weekends or holidays, to perform work required during planned outages or emergency situations. The position must perform all duties in a safe manner and adhere to all Company safety rules and procedures. Technicians in this job description generally do not perform work on the overhead distribution system and are limited to the vault and manhole electric system.

Job Duties

Under general directive supervision in the field or shop, on a day or fixed shift schedule, performs and/or directs others in the electrical construction, maintenance or repair work on underground cables and equipment when energized. Performs such work on underground cables and equipment when energized not to exceed 600 volts to ground and perform maintenance on 200 amp underground cables for 12 months. and any energized underground cables and equipment for the next 12 months. Operates all types of backhoes, loaders, trenchers and other similar equipment; Performs such duties as:

  • Develops work tasks, job scopes, and pre-job briefings.

  • Makes more complicated splice joints on 200 amp underground cables.

  • Installing, replacing and repairing distribution transformers, potheads, junction boxes, oil switches associated metal structures and similar or associated equipment.

  • Contacting personnel from other departments, public authorities, other utilities, contractors, and customers or their agents in connections with underground construction assignments.

  • Write and execute simple switching procedures for the primary network system.

  • Installing, replacing and repairing network transformers, network protectors, signal alarm devices and similar or associated equipment.

  • Locating faults and clearing trouble on underground cable and signal circuits.

  • Installing and removing meters, service wiring and equipment as required.

  • Operating all types of backhoes, loaders, trenchers, plows and associated equipment; driving a truck when required.

  • Maintaining equipment in good operating condition by making minor repairs, applying "good housekeeping" practices, lubricating and checking all fluid levels and reporting any need for major repairs or adjustments.

  • Preparing and maintaining records of work performed, materials and equipment installed and removed from service, and allocation of labor hours to standard work operations.

  • Conducting the cleanup and disposal of toxic and nontoxic hazardous materials in accordance with Company and governmental guidelines; using appropriate personal protective equipment.

  • Performing any of the duties of Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 2.

  • Instructing lower class employees in their work and on standard practices and procedures as assigned.

  • Assuming responsibility for energizing single phase services to customer and for installation and proper operating.

  • Performing other similar or less skilled work as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Note: This position can be hired as either a UG Line Apprentice 3 or a UG Line Apprentice 4 depending on experience as verified on the applicants resume

Underground Line Apprentice 3

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of directly related education and/or experience.

  • Possess a Class A CDL

  • Minimum 3 years of Distribution underground maintenance or construction experience or equivalent job-related and educational experience

  • Successfully passed Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 2 training.

  • Must have at least twelve (12) months experience as a Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 2 or the equivalent and recommendation for promotion from supervision.

  • Must have at least 18 months' experience in either network systems, vaults, etc. Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices, and specifications for the more complex features of high voltage cable system.

  • Must be capable of directing the work of assistants, as required.

  • Must pass the examination of entrance into the position of Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 3 including questions or problems on the following:

    • Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices and specifications for medium voltage cable systems.

    • Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices and specifications for a.c. network and distribution transformer installations.

    • Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices, and specifications of traffic signal and signal alarm system.

    • General knowledge of the operating principles of medium voltage underground circuits.

    • Demonstration of the necessary skill in building up the required amounts of insulation and making metallic wipes on less complex types of cable joints.

    • Understanding of the Traffic Safety Code, and a working knowledge of the equipment and highway locations.

  • Sufficient knowledge of the equipment and auxiliaries for operating in an efficient and safe manner.

  • Must have sufficient mechanical ability and show aptitude for making minor adjustments, repairs, and maintenance on equipment operated to maintain efficient operations.

  • Must show good judgment concerning clearances from overhead wires and obstructions and underground cables, gas, water and other lines.

  • Must have a good general knowledge of construction practices of contractors and other utilities.

  • Must have the necessary tact and ability to deal with employees, contractors and customers.

  • Must be capable of conducting the work of a crew for which he/she is responsible in a manner that will properly safeguard the public, all employees, and the property of both the Company and the customer.

Underground Line Apprentice 4

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of directly related education and/or experience.

  • Possess a Class A CDL

  • Minimum 4 years of Distribution underground maintenance or construction experience or equivalent job-related and educational experience

  • Successfully passed Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 3 training.

  • Must have at least twelve (12) months experience as a Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 3 or the equivalent and recommendation for promotion from supervision.

  • Must have at least 18 months' experience in either network systems, vaults, etc. Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices, and specifications for the more complex features of high voltage cable system.

  • Must be capable of directing the work of assistants, as required.

  • Must pass the examination of entrance into the position of Distribution Underground Line Apprentice 4 including questions or problems on the following:

    • Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices and specifications for medium voltage cable systems.

    • Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices and specifications for a.c. network and distribution transformer installations.

    • Working knowledge of the construction, maintenance practices, and specifications of traffic signal and signal alarm system.

    • General knowledge of the operating principles of medium voltage underground circuits.

    • Demonstration of the necessary skill in building up the required amounts of insulation and making metallic wipes on less complex types of cable joints.

    • Understanding of the Traffic Safety Code, and a working knowledge of the equipment and highway locations.

  • Sufficient knowledge of the equipment and auxiliaries for operating in an efficient and safe manner.

  • Must have sufficient mechanical ability and show aptitude for making minor adjustments, repairs, and maintenance on equipment operated to maintain efficient operations.

  • Must show good judgment concerning clearances from overhead wires and obstructions and underground cables, gas, water and other lines.

  • Must have a good general knowledge of construction practices of contractors and other utilities.

  • Must have the necessary tact and ability to deal with employees, contractors and customers.

  • Must be capable of conducting the work of a crew for which he/she is responsible in a manner that will properly safeguard the public, all employees, and the property of both the Company and the customer.

Specific Requirements

  • Ability to attend various training classes, meet progression requirements and successfully complete a progression assessment qualification' (PAQ).

  • DOT Certification

  • DOT Physical

  • Ability to obtain respirator clearance

  • Successful background and drug screen

  • Ability to stand a minimum of 5-6 hours; may be on ground, in a bucket on a line truck, or at the top of a distribution pole

  • Ability to sit for a minimum of 2-3 hours; may be driving a truck or sitting in a manhole or an underground vault

  • Ability to move frequently to unload equipment and to install/maintain/repair equipment

  • Ability to lift up to 76 pounds

  • Ability to push/pull weights up to 116 pounds

  • Ability to carry up to 90 pounds

  • Ability to frequently climb or use authorized equipment to reachvarious heights and breadths

  • Ability to frequently and repetitivelybend/stoop/squat

  • Ability to differentiate between colors (color vision)

  • Manual dexterity to operate small hand tools, turn small knobs, etc.

  • This position contains a weight restriction of 275 pounds as an essential function of the job. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure that all weight-rated equipment is used in an appropriate and safe manner within maximum allowed weight loading.

  • This position has a residency requirement. You must reside within 40 minutes of the assigned operations site. In order to meet with aforementioned position requirement, you will be required to relocate from your current residence within 12 months of your start date. Relocation will be entirely at your own expense.

Work Environment

  • Shift Work, Overtime, Weekend Work, 24/7 Operations

  • Frequent travel

  • Work environment ranges from indoors to outside in varying degrees of heat and cold weather conditions

  • Emergency situations may require working at night and in inclement weather

  • Subject to confined spaces, (manholes, vaults, etc.)

  • Subject to periodic call-out duty and subject to second and third shift schedules

  • Position has on-call responsibilities as scheduled and generally available at others times as needed, demonstrate the ability to work independently, and to work all hours as needed, day or night, weekends or holidays, and in all weather conditions to perform work required during planned and emergency outages

  • Requires ability to travel and stay overnight to various locations and work extended hours to assist in major storm restoration

  • Field Mobility Classification - Work will be performed in various field locations, as needed, after the onboarding period. However, field employees are required to live within a reasonable daily commute to their assigned work location.

Travel Requirements

15-25%Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)NoRepresented/Union PositionNoVisa Sponsored PositionNo. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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About Duke Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Our electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Our natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Our company employs 28,000 people.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1904