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Substation Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

$68.56/hr

This position may be subject to Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) review and approval ... Drives equipment on the job site (substation). May drive equipment from one job site to another.

Southern California Edison (SCE)

Mobile Trainer

Chino, CA · On-site

$163K - $244K/yr

... apprenticeship, substation operations, etc.) * Partners with front-line employees and stakeholders to resolve training issues and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including annual ...

Rising Edge Group

Test Technician

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$66 - $79/hr

... substation power delivery equipment such as breakers, switchgears, circuit breakers, relays and transformers. The Test Technician is also responsible to mentor and educate Apprentices including ...

Rising Edge Group

Test Technician

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$66 - $79/hr

... substation power delivery equipment such as breakers, switchgears, circuit breakers, relays and transformers. The Test Technician is also responsible to mentor and educate Apprentices including ...

Rising Edge Group

Test Technician

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$66 - $79/hr

... substation power delivery equipment such as breakers, switchgears, circuit breakers, relays and transformers. The Test Technician is also responsible to mentor and educate Apprentices including ...

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Substation Apprentice information

What is a substation apprentice?

Substation apprentices are entry-level workers who learn to install, maintain, and repair electrical substations under the supervision of experienced technicians or journeymen. They participate in a structured apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction to develop the technical skills and safety knowledge required for the role. Substation apprentices work with high-voltage equipment, perform routine inspections, assist with upgrades, and follow strict safety protocols. Over time, they gain the experience needed to become fully qualified substation technicians or electricians.

What does a substation apprentice do?

As a substation apprentice, you work at an electrical substation while training under the direct supervision of a journey-level substation technician. Your duties typically involve the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring and substation equipment. During an apprentice program, you also learn other aspects of substation construction, such as installing fencing and testing circuit breakers, switches, and metering equipment. Depending on the details of the apprenticeship, your responsibilities include attending classes during or after regular working hours or responding to emergency calls or outage reports with your training technician.

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

To thrive as a Substation Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of electrical theory, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training. Familiarity with electrical testing equipment, hand and power tools, and adherence to OSHA safety standards are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability when working with high-voltage electrical systems.

What are some common challenges faced by substation apprentices during their training period?

Substation Apprentices often encounter challenges such as adapting to rigorous safety protocols, understanding complex electrical systems, and working in various weather conditions. The role demands strong attention to detail and the ability to learn quickly from experienced technicians and supervisors. Additionally, apprentices must balance hands-on fieldwork with classroom instruction, which can be demanding but provides a solid foundation for career growth in the electrical utility industry.

What is the difference between Substation Apprentice vs Substation Technician?

AspectSubstation ApprenticeSubstation Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications, experience in electrical systems
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction sites, utility facilitiesOperational substations, maintenance sites, repair environments
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, electrical contractorsUtility companies, electrical service providers

Substation Apprentices are in training to learn electrical systems and substation operations, often working under supervision. Substation Technicians are experienced workers responsible for maintaining, repairing, and operating substations. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the technician role, which requires more hands-on experience and certifications.

More about Substation Apprentice jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Substation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Substation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Substation Apprentice jobs in California?

For Substation Apprentice jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substation Apprentice jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Substation Apprentice jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Substation Apprentice jobs?

Cities in California with the most Substation Apprentice job openings:

Substation Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Substation Electrician-General Construction, Journey Level (All Regions)-Hayward, California

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

On-site

$68.56/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Review, verify, and modify electrical prints and schematics.

  • Lay out materials for installation, including conduit, steel, wires, junction boxes, and tools.

  • Use power and hand tools to install equipment and systems such as wire terminations, high voltage equipment, overhead and underground electrical systems, steel structures, control panels, metering and protection systems, air switches, and set up rigging.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 53 rated energy and utility

Job description

Requisition ID # 168118
Job Category: Maintenance / Construction / Operations
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Business Unit: Electric Operations
Work Type: Onsite
Job Location: Hayward; Alameda; Antioch; Burney; Chico; Concord; Davis; Fairfield; Fremont; Fresno; Jackson; Lemoore; Livermore; Los Banos; Merced; Modesto; Oakland; Oroville; Paso Robles; Redding; Rocklin; Sacramento; Salinas; San Carlos; San Francisco; San Francisco; San Jose; San Luis Obispo; San Mateo; San Rafael; Santa Rosa; Sonoma; Sonora; South San Francisco; Stockton; Tracy; Ukiah; Vacaville; Woodland
This job posting will be utilized to fill open Journey-level Electrician-General Construction positions within ALL REGIONS of our service territory. Open positions could become available at any time and based on business needs.
Department Overview
The people of Electric Operations ensure the delivery of safe and reliable electric service to our customers. Electric Operations is responsible for every aspect of PG&E's electric distribution and transmission operations, including planning, engineering, maintenance and construction, asset management, business planning, restoration, and emergency response.
Position Summary
This classification is represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) local 1245, which has over 100 years of experience representing employees at PG&E.
This position may be subject to Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) review and approval. Provisional hires will be required to participate in targeted training to achieve journey-level knowledge of electrician roles and responsibilities.
Please note: Per letter of agreement (LOA) 23-36; All future employees who are hired, assigned, placed, or bid (after the execution date of this agreement) into one of the classifications listed (in agreement) and in the San Francisco Division ONLY is eligible for a 15% pay premium and will be subject to a "bid lock" for three (3) years.
In addition, Peninsula, De Anza, East Bay, and Mission divisions are eligible for a 10% pay premium and will be subject to a "bid lock" for three (3) years.
General Construction (GC)
For GC positions individuals must be able to travel and transfer to a new headquarters upon request at any time, throughout the entire PG&E service territory with no guarantees as to how long you will be away from home.
  • Reviews, verifies, and modifies prints and electric schematics. Lays out materials for installation, such as conduit, steel, wires, junction boxes, tools, etc. Places orders for supplies as needed.
  • Moves equipment to staging area. Performs safety preparation including performing high voltage protective grounding.
  • Uses power tools and hand tools to install equipment and systems, such as wire terminations, high voltage equipment, overhead and underground electrical and conduit systems, steel structures, control panels, metering and protection systems, air switches. Sets up rigging. Pulls wire.
  • May operate construction equipment, if qualified, such as crane truck, man lift, boom truck, bucket truck as part of installation, excavation, and compaction. Operates forklift to move and reposition equipment.
  • Uses hand and power tools, such as jackhammers, whackers, and shovels to remove and replace soil.
  • Removes old high voltage equipment, structures and other impediments prior to installation using heavy equipment, rigging and other tools.
  • Drives equipment on the job site (substation). May drive equipment from one job site to another. May drive a company vehicle to pick up tools or other equipment away from the job site.
  • Maintains work area in a clean and safe condition. Removes trash, debris, and excess materials. Picks up and reorganizes tools.
  • Overtime may be required.

PG&E is providing the hourly rate that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This position is subject to collectively bargained hourly wage rates and increases. The starting wage rate for this position is $68.56 per hour. This wage rate is specific to the locality of the job. The wage rate is based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity.
Qualifications -
Minimum:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must possess a High School diploma or GED.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License
  • Must show proof of successful completion of a Union Sanctioned JATC Inside Wireman Electrician Apprenticeship
  • Ability to work in all types of weather extremes.
  • Ability to drive safely in all weather and road conditions.
  • Must be willing to travel/ transfer to new headquarters upon request at any time; throughout the entire PG&E service territory with no guarantees as to how long you will be away from home (For GC positions)
  • Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends and holidays, and various work schedules.
  • Ability to work in remote work locations with potential exposure to poison oak, snakes, spiders, bees, mosquitoes, ticks, rodents etc.
  • Must be able to wear company provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • If hired as Provisional, must pass the provisional training plan within 12 months from hire date.
  • CA CDL Class A Permit, or equivalent, subject to 150% driver/vehicle ratio

Desired:
  • 3-5 years Journey level experience in commercial or industrial electrical construction
  • PG&E construction or utility experience
  • Experience with electronic or mechanical equipment
  • Instrumentation and Control experience
  • Motor Control experience
  • Electrical Substation or Power Generation experience
  • High voltage experience
  • Experience working with testing equipment and troubleshooting

Pre-Employment Testing:
PG&E Employees: You must have qualified on all prerequisite tests prior to submitting an application; and all secondary tests prior to interviewing. For more information on prerequisite and secondary exams, including study guides, please visit the Pre-employment testing program website.
  • Physical Test Battery (PTB)
  • Work Orientation Inventory-Physical/Technical Driving (WOI-D)
  • Electrician Assessment

Purpose, Virtues and Stands
Our Purpose explains "why" we exist:
  • Delivering for our hometowns
  • Serving our planet
  • Leading with love

Our Virtues capture "who" we need to be:
  • Trustworthy
  • Empathetic
  • Curious
  • Tenacious
  • Nimble
  • Owners

Our Stands are "what" we will achieve together:
  • Everyone and everything is always safe
  • Catastrophic wildfires shall stop
  • It is enjoyable to work with and for PG&E
  • Clean and resilient energy for all
  • Our work shall create prosperity for all customers and investors

More About Our Company
EEO
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that actively pursues and hires a workforce that reflects the hometowns we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability status, medical condition, protected veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the job.
Employee Privacy Notice The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) goes into effect on January 1, 2020. CCPA grants new and far-reaching privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information PG&E collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed through the following link: Employee Privacy Notice
PG&E will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in a manner consistent with all state and local laws.

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