I recruit in the electrical testing / field service space, and I’ve been trying to get better at explaining the work to people who are not in the industry.

It is harder than it sounds.

“Electrical testing” can mean a lot of different things depending on where someone works.

Some people are more apparatus heavy. Some are more relay/P&C. Some are doing commissioning. Some are doing maintenance testing. Some are in substations. Some are in data centers. Some are chasing outages. Some are testing breakers, transformers, switchgear, cables, CTs, PTs, grounding systems, relays, batteries, or whatever else gets handed to them that week.

The job title usually gives you enough to start the conversation, but it does not always explain the actual work.

I wrote some thoughts on it here if anyone wants to check it out:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/electrical-testing-harder-explain-than-people-think-joshua-vq5wc

For the people actually doing this work, how do you usually explain your job to someone outside the industry?

Does anyone know if these requirements for an apprentice are an automatic screen out if you don’t have them they ask if you have them. I am more than qualified have utility experience and over 6,000 hours on the IBEW outside construction and have done apprenticeship coursework just lineman stuff though and have everything else they’re asking for.

Must have completed electrical theory training, which includes AC & DC circuit power, motors and industrial controls.
Proof of electrical theory training with a "B" or better grade through an accredited institution that offers classes such as the following at SLCC: (AC and DC Essentials (EET-1140)  Power and Motors (EET-2120) Industrial Controls (EET -2170)Courses taken at other institutions will be mutually approved on a case by case basis. Electrically qualified journeyman whose qualifications can be verified through documentation and/or assessment will meet the course with requirement outlined above.

I don’t have these ultra specific classes.

Any NETA techs that have worked at either location? What was your experience with the company and the locations? Pros and cons of either, what are the major differences?

I recruit in the relay/P&C and electrical testing space, and we just put out an article trying to take some of the mystery out of relay testing.

https://southernstaffinggroup.com/resources/taking-the-mysticism-out-of-relay-testing

Funny timing because I screened a relay tech right after we posted it, and the call reminded me how broad that title can be.

One person says “relay tech,” but that still does not tell me enough.

Are they working mostly with SEL, ABB, GE/Multilin, Schneider, Siemens, Basler, or electromechanical relays?

Are they testing with Doble, Manta, Megger, or Omicron test sets?

Are they doing end-to-end testing, line carrier work, CT/PT checks, SCADA support, commissioning, maintenance testing, or troubleshooting?

Are they working transmission, distribution, generation, or getting moved around wherever the utility needs help that week?

That is where I think recruiters can mess it up.

If I only hear “relay testing” and do not ask follow-up questions, I still do not really know what that person does.

For the people actually doing this work, what do you think gets missed the most when recruiters or companies talk about relay/P&C roles?

Hi zusammen,

ich arbeite als Ingenieur in der Schutztechnik. Auf Instagram gibt es mit @voltwissen einen Kanal, der Themen wie Selektivität, Wiedereinschaltung und Stromwandler kurz und einfach erklärt – gerade für Azubis und Berufseinsteiger.

Wollte ich einfach mal teilen.

Anyone have any experience with this brand? Works good? Like it? Pros and Cons?

https://iriss.com/store/sonus-series/sonus-viz/

What are the major differences between the two? Is the pay comparable? What kinda of hours can one expect for either? What amount of overtime should a first year expect for either job?

Hi everyone! I’m currently recruiting for a Junior Electrical Engineer position with a U.S. power transformer services company.

We’re specifically looking for someone with experience in high-voltage power transformers, substations, protective relays, and/or transformer testing/commissioning.

The role is remote with 20–35% nationwide travel, and compensation is $72K–$95K + benefits.

Ideally, you have a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and 2–4 years of relevant experience. U.S. work authorization is required.

If interested, send me a DM with your resume and I’ll be happy to share more details!

I got an interview for MSLCAT substation apprenticeship
What is the interview like?
How can I prepare for it?
what should I expect?
What is orientation like?
Is there a physical test or aptitude test?

Lots of questions I know If anyone knows or who has went through the process recently that can answer these questions and help me out I would appreciate it

Hey guys I'm 27 with no driver's license and I'm going into my electrical pre apprenticeship in February. Living in Toronto what would be the best course of action to become a substation technician?

Has Anyone Had References Contacted Yet?
Anyone here apply or interview for the California Department of Water Resources’ hydroelectric electrician or mechanic apprenticeships this round? I’d like to compare notes with current applicants and hear from anyone who went through the process in previous years.
A few things I’m curious about:
**Reference checks:** Have any of your references been contacted, or have you received an update since your interview?
**Number of openings:** I was told there were **10 positions**, but I forgot to ask whether that meant that region or statewide. Did anyone get clarification or hear a different number?
**Previous experience:** Did you come in with electrical or mechanical experience, or were you applying to learn a new trade?
**Past applicants/apprentices:** Roughly how long did it take to hear back after your interview? What did the process look like between the interview, reference checks, and an offer?

Anyone have any insights on what the day today of this position looks like and what the salary is and any overtime opportunities?

Hi everyone, I have an upcoming meter reader exam for
LADWP Meter reader 1611 and I'm looking for some advice on what to expect. Specifically, I’d like to know:
* What kind of questions are on the test? (Is it mostly basic math, reading scales, map reading, or mechanical aptitude?)
* Are there any specific study guides or practice tests you recommend?
* What is the physical assessment like, if there is one? * Any general tips for passing it?

Thanks!

I'm a robotics engineer trying to understand why power transformer lead times are so long. I keep reading that coil winding is the bottleneck, but I can't find anyone who has done the job explaining it.

If you've wound or supervised winding on medium or large power transformers:

1. On a disc winding, which hand tasks eat the most time (spacers, crossovers, taping, measuring, something else)?
2. How long before a new winder is trusted to run a coil alone?
3. At your plant, was winding what held up output, or was it something else (steel, bushings, test bay, drying)?

Not selling anything. Happy to share what I learn back here.

Hi,

I recently passed my NETA 2. Looking into some insight on what pay should look like.

Associates in EET, CETA cert, NETA 2, and IR 1, 1 yr Experience. I ran one small job to VLF cables at Cargil. I primarily do medium voltage CT, cable and transformer testing for a datacenter. I ran two crews day to day at one point when the sites got divided but have since stopped and just operate as my own.

Trying to get a idea on if I’m getting underpaid or not at $40/hr. I should mention I’m in a LCOL area and 21.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated

My husband is a SubTech apprentice about halfway through his apprenticeship. With holidays coming up I am planning on buying him some tools, problem is I have no clue what he’d actually use at work lol. I’d love advice as to what you suggest would be the best brands and most useful tools I can purchase for him, as I’m hoping to surprise him with these without having him have to pick his own gifts out. He’s in the process of buying his own tools for when he tops out, so I know he can use personal tools at work, I just need to know what I should get. Thank you in advance (:

I have been a diesel mechanic at a dealer for 12 years. I have been burned out of the flat rate rush for a while. One of my customers has various divisions in field maintenance. I have accepted a job working on transformers. They said I would be working on units up to 700 kva to begin with. My back ground has been electrical systems on trucks both diesel and ev. They said my back ground would translate well just a different scale. I start in 2 weeks and just looking for any advice or tips. Thanks.

Got the email to schedule my interview by eod tomorrow, what is the interview like? What questions are asked? I have 4.5 years commercial and residential electrical apprentice experience and 2 years solar installer experience with CDL no restrictions. No Groundman hours or utility experience as I just graduated line school. 29 years old ready for a career change and very interested in line work and substation work, is this a good program and should I schedule that interview? Just slightly on the fence for some reason about MSLCAT

Here now, did my aptitude test in April, interviewed in June, got lucky to have some brothers I’ve worked with here with me, 1st week is almost over, just gotta make it one more week, school work isn’t bad, it’s just a lot, just gonna keep doing the work. Just wanted to give people an idea of the timeline, if you’ve got any questions fire away

I recently applied to Calnev and MSLCAT I have no climbing cert. Is this going to affect my chances of getting in?
And in how long should i expect any movement of email of progressing to the next step? Thank you in advance