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Substation Apprentice Jobs in Howell, MI (NOW HIRING)

Substation Apprentice information

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 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 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 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 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.

What cities near Howell, MI are hiring for Substation Apprentice jobs? Cities near Howell, MI with the most Substation Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Substation Apprentice job openings in Howell, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Senior Substation Engineer (Physical Substation Design)

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Plymouth, MI

$136K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The devices we make at SEL are embedded in the power grid. They prevent blackouts. They make outages safer and shorter in duration; they add cybersecurity, automation, and communication. They use cutting-edge technologies and operate at speeds that push other pieces of the grid to go faster. As a Senior Power Systems Consulting Engineer in Engineering Services, you'll provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.

As a Senior Power Systems Consulting Engineer, a typical day might include the following:

  • Acting as a mentor to engineers, specialists, and technicians.
  • Serving as a technical expert in the design and application of SEL equipment and solutions in a focus area.
  • Researching, innovating, and developing new solutions and\or processes.
  • Reviewing\approving\completing scopes, budgets, and schedules for assigned work at the highest level of quality.
  • Project Manage\develop processes\lead in training and assist customers with the creation, design, configuration, validation, review, installation, commissioning, and operation of engineered solutions.
  • Responsible for environmental, health and safety leadership, maintaining a safe workplace, safety awareness and training, accident investigations and reporting, and implementing safe and environmentally sound work practices.


This Job might be for you if you:

  • Have a BS degree in Electrical Engineering or an applicable discipline.
  • Have 8+ years working knowledge and experience of electric power systems or other equivalent transferable knowledge and industry experience.
  • Have expert knowledge in area of focus, specifically in Power Systems Consulting and Substations
  • Have excellent technical training and skills.
  • Willing to travel a minimum of 25% of the time


Preferred Qualifications

  • Supervisory experience
  • Electrical utility, consulting, or system integrator experience
  • Extensive experience with power systems and customers
  • Working knowledge of Vision or other PM Tracking Software
  • Professional Engineer license Highly Preferred

Location : We are open to MULTIPLE locations.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data

$136,100-$170,300

We are open to reviewing additional candidates withmore or lessexperienceand the salary range may differ if filled at a different level. Our ranges aredeterminedby job and responsibilities. We base our starting pay offer and title on job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.#IND3

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAMfilteror reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.


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