Trainee Substation Electrician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FirstEnergy at a Glance
We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers' lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.
FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.
 

The Distribution Instructor (Substation Electrician) is responsible for delivering high-quality, hands-on and classroom-based instruction to apprentices, journey level substation electricians and other utility personnel. This role ensures that trainees develop technical skills, safety awareness, and professional standards required for success in the electric utility industry.

• Deliver training programs that support FirstEnergy's field operations, including construction, maintenance, troubleshooting, work methods, and safety procedures
• Deliver instruction on industry safety practices, regulatory requirements (OSHA, NESC, NEC etc.), and company policies.
• Demonstrate and supervise proper use of tools, equipment, climbing techniques, and rigging procedures in both simulated and live environments.
• Evaluate trainee progress through practical assessments, written tests, and field observations; provide constructive feedback and guidance.
• Maintain accurate training records, develop lesson plans, and update curriculum as industry standards and technologies evolve.
• Promote a safety-first culture and serve as a role model for professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with management and other instructors to schedule training sessions and support organizational goals.
• Conduct classroom and hands-on instruction related to electrical theory, system operations, equipment use, hazard recognition, and safe work practices.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and individualized feedback to support employee growth and success.
• Stay informed on new tools, equipment, technologies, and work methods used across FirstEnergy's service territory.
• Participate in safety initiatives, field observations, and workforce development projects as needed.
• Participate in storm restoration efforts as needed.
• Collaborate with other instructors and operational leaders to ensure consistency and quality across training programs.
• Facilitate field-based training, including climbing, tool use, equipment operation, and distribution and transmission system construction activities.
• Evaluate trainee performance through written assessments, practical skill demonstrations, and field observation.

Distribution Instructor IV

• 8-12 years of journey level technical/field experience, or experience training lineworkers (substation electricians)
• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional technical training or certifications preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of electrical transmission and distribution systems, construction standards, and safe work practices.
• Demonstrated ability to climb structures, operate bucket trucks, aerial lifts and work at heights in various weather conditions.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to engage and motivate adult learners.
• Familiarity with applicable regulatory standards (OSHA, NESC, NEC, NFPA 70E) and utility industry best practices.
• Basic proficiency with computers and training software (e.g., PowerPoint, Microsoft Office Products,) is desirable.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• Physical ability to demonstrate field skills such as climbing, rigging, and equipment operation.
• Valid Class A CDL or the ability to obtain one is required.
• Previous experience as a trainer, instructor, or mentor in a substation or utility environment.
• Strong working knowledge of FirstEnergy work methods, equipment, safety standards, distribution and transmission system design.
• Thorough knowledge of OSHA requirements, NESC standards, NEC standards, and utility safety practices.
• Instructional training, adult education certification, or similar qualifications are a plus.
• Experience training, coaching, mentoring, or leading field crews is preferred.
• Job performed with occasional general supervision

Distribution Instructor V

• All the above requirements plus, 12+ years of journey level technical/field experience or experience training lineworkers (substation electricians)
• Job performed independently with limited general supervision

• Combination of classrooms, training yard, and field environments.
• Frequent standing, walking, climbing, and exposure to outdoor conditions.
• May require occasional travel to remote sites or company locations.  Travel up to 25% of the time.

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.