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Apprentice Interchange Plant Operator

What you learn and experience

BC Hydro's Apprentice Interchange Plant Operator program provides you with the knowledge and skill set to become an Interchange Plant Operator.

You'll learn the electrical and mechanical fundamentals as it pertains to the day-to-day operations of the provincial electrical grid, develop competency to operate the Interchange desk (which administers BC Hydro's Open Access Transmission Tariff with its Transmission Customers) and work with BC Hydro's distribution system and generating stations.

Before moving on to more complex technical skills and challenging assignments, you'll learn the operating and safety procedure and how to isolate high voltage electrical equipment for maintenance.

Apprentice Interchange Plant Operators are selected for their technical capability, their alignment with our core values, their attitude and their ability to become productive members of BC Hydro.

Qualification: What you bring

To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

  • High school graduation with the following courses: English 12, Math 11 and Physics 11 or equivalent, or higher college or university level
  • You have a class 5 or 7N BC driver's license
  • Must be in good health, including normal colour vision, adequate hearing and vision strength, and show a strong electrical and mechanical aptitude
  • Enjoy working in an office environment as part of a team

Equivalence documentation and transcripts

To successfully claim an equivalent status, you must provide documentation that effectively demonstrates you've taken equivalent courses. You'll submit either a letter from your place of education or your instructor indicating the course(s), stating that the course(s) taken would be considered equivalent to or better than a grade 11 or 12 level.

Once selected as an apprentice, you need to provide a copy of transcripts demonstrating your high school graduation including English 12, Math 11 and Physics 11 as well as a driver's abstract and claims history.

Program details and future job prospects

The one-year program consists of self-study, classroom and on-the-job technical training. As an apprentice, you're expected to complete various assignments during the program and achieve a satisfactory (70 per cent) pass on seven term exams. Following completion of the program, the apprentice will receive a full time regular position and a certificate of program completion.

We aim to maintain our status as a top employer and continue to attract and retain our skilled employees through career progression and leadership development. We will help you develop and grow through on-the-job experiences, relationship building and training.

Where you train and work

As an apprentice, all work will be performed at the Control Center in the Fraser Valley with the exception of short field trips for training.

Pay and benefits

As an apprentice, you earn 75% of the full journeyperson trade rate while you learn, with further increases during the apprenticeship.

You will learn and work in a safe and healthy environment supported by a competitive benefit package that includes a minimum  three week vacation, health and vision care, dental benefits, disability income and flex credits that can be used in a variety of ways such as paid flex days.

Application timelines

Job postings are typically found on our current opportunities page. Click here to see application timeline information. If no information is available yet, you can set up a job alert so that you will be notified as soon as the posting goes up.

Due to the very high number of applications recruiters receive, only those who are shortlisted will receive a phone call.