BPA Apprenticeship Program

• US citizenship required
• Career and career-conditional employees of BPA
• Status Applicants - applicants who are current federal employees with competitive status
• Career Transition Assistance Program Eligibles
• Recent graduates – individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last two years, or six years for veterans 
• VEOA - veterans eligible to apply under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act of 1998.
• Disabled veterans - NOTE: Must provide SF 15, current supporting documentation from VA, DD 214. NOTE: Applicants who are requesting consideration based on veteran's preference must submit proof of eligibility at the time of application. In general, proof is a Standard Form DD-214, Certification of Discharge, or other documentation that provides proof of service
  

NOTE: Reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified applicants or employees with disabilities, except when doing so would pose an undue hardship on BPA. The program is not open to STUDENTS unless you also meet the eligibility requirements listed in the vacancy announcement. You must be available to begin full time employment in the month of June following your application for the program.

• Restricted Electrical Workers' Permit: Hires must obtain a Restricted Electrical Workers' Permit within the first two weeks of your start date and maintain thereafter for the duration of the apprenticeship program.
• Commercial Driver's License: Hires must obtain, within the first year after hire and maintain thereafter, a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with all endorsements required by the state in order to operate substation maintenance and construction equipment from the state of residence. 
• U.S. Motor Vehicle Operator Authorization: Applicants must possess at the time of appointment, and maintain thereafter, a valid U.S. state issued driver's license in order to drive and operate U.S. government owned and leased vehicles and equipment. (Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants.)
• Equipment Certification: Hires must become certified on aerial lift equipment or other equipment assigned to operate.
• First Aid Training: Hires must complete first aid training and obtain a valid first aid card and CPR certification within the first month of employment and maintain continuously thereafter.

Candidates must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the duties of the position. Since most work will be performed outside in all weather conditions and around various types of energized equipment, apprentices must meet some or all of the special conditions for employment outlined below:

• Health Hazards: If exposed to health hazards, you must have periodic health examinations as prescribed by competent medical authority at BPA expense. Hazards include working in close proximity to substances such as mercury, acids, solvents or PCBs.
• BPA Accident Prevention Manual: Become familiar with and follow the safety practices outlined in the BPA Accident Prevention Manual.
• Residence: Establish a residence in accordance with negotiated requirements that is within one hour or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions. Be subject for emergency work at any time.

Job standards by apprenticeship:

• Electrician
• Lineworker
• Substation Operator