Apprenticeships
Idaho Power offers 11 different training programs, all recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship training. These career opportunities offer excellent compensation, career advancement, stability and an opportunity to provide a valuable service to our customers. Click the name of the apprenticeship to view its details.
Interested in joining our team of exceptional apprentices? View available apprentice job postings and apply online from our Career Opportunities page. Apprentice applicants must be at least 18 and meet all basic requirements as listed on the job posting.
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Apprenticeships |
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Lineman Apprentice I Lineman Apprentice IDescriptionApproximate Starting Rate: $16.92 per hour. Job SummaryUnder direct supervision, performs new construction and maintenance work on overhead and underground distribution and transmission lines. Examples of DutiesThe following is a representative list–other duties may be required.
Basic RequirementsEducation: High school diploma or equivalent. Experience: Successful completion of a recognized line worker training program (such as Northwest Lineman College). Licenses/Certifications: Valid Class A CDL. Valid First Aid/CPR card, or must obtain one. Competencies: Safety awareness; communication; decision making; adaptability; applied learning; initiating action; managing work (includes time management); contributing to team success; building strategic working relationships; building customer loyalty. Physical AbilityPerform occasional overhead work, lifting up to 75 lbs shoulder-height and above; occasionally lift 100 lbs chest-, waist-, and knee-high; occasionally carry items up to 125 lbs with two hands (75 lbs with one hand); occasionally push and pull weight in excess of 50 lbs; climb and work off of poles, ladders, and other structures that may be 40–150 feet high; work in and around energized lines; work long hours (up to 10 hours on average and occasionally up to 24 hours) in extreme weather conditions. Applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property. Job placement is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment, post-offer Functional Capacity Assessment. Additional RequirementsThe successful candidate must live or relocate within 20 miles of the assigned location, complete required company and safety training, and abide by the company's safety rules and regulations. He/she will be required to work on-call rotation and may be subject to non-traditional hours, including daytime, evenings, weekdays, and/or weekends. The successful candidate must also enroll in, and successfully progress through, the company-sponsored Lineman Apprentice Training Program. |
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Stations Technician Apprentice I Stations Technician Apprentice IDescriptionApproximate Starting Rate: $16.92 per hour. Job SummaryWorks in a team environment to learn the mechanics of operation, maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, and installation and repair of station apparatus. Examples of DutiesThe following is a representative list—other duties may be required.
Basic RequirementsEducation: High school diploma or equivalent. Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license. Competencies: Safety awareness; communication; decision making; adaptability; applied learning; quality orientation; contributing to team success; initiating action; managing work; energy. Physical AbilityWork in the field up to 85 percent of the time in adverse weather conditions, and within proximity of energized equipment; drive in all weather conditions; work in and around substations and occasionally in confined spaces; climb ladders and structures; lift and carry test equipment weighing up to 75 lbs chest-high; carry up to 75 lbs; climb into and out of vehicles; and perform the essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property. Job placement is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment, post-offer Functional Capacity Assessment. Additional RequirementsSafety training and occasional travel with overnight stays. |
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Meter Technician Meter TechnicianDescriptionApproximate Starting Rate: $22.79 per hour. Job SummaryUnder the direct guidance of Meter Technicians, learns to plan, coordinate, and perform meter site verifications, metering installations, planned and unplanned metering maintenance, and meter accuracy testing in accordance with industry standards and the Meter Quality System requirements. Apprentice is responsible for learning the Meter Quality System requirements in his/her area of control and is accountable for adherence to the systems requirements. Meter Technician Apprentices will learn to plan, execute, and keep records of projects related to periodic and statistical maintenance programs, new technology implementation, and control of meter quality system nonconformance. They will also learn to investigate power quality problems. Examples of DutiesThe following is a representative list—other duties may be required.
Basic RequirementsEducation: Associate’s degree in electronics, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities. Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license. Competencies: Safety awareness; decision-making; managing work (includes time management); quality orientation; communication; initiating action; applied learning; energy; contributing to team success. Licenses/Certifications: DOT Medical Card. Physical AbilityThere is occasional lifting of items weighing up to 50 lbs. shoulder height and above, waist-high, and knee-high; frequently use exertional force greater than 50 lbs. pulling meters. Frequently use both hands or one hand to carry items weighing up to 50 lbs. Requires the ability to manipulate hand and foot controls, as well as to grasp hand tools, power tools, bucket truck levers, and to use fine manipulation when operating small tools and when keyboarding. Must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property. The successful applicant for this position will have to take and pass a pre-employment/post-offer Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA). Additional RequirementsThe Meter Technician Apprentice will be required to satisfy the requirements of the apprenticeship training program and achieve state certification within the timeline defined in the apprenticeship agreement. Work on-call outside regular business hours. Work outside in seasonal adverse weather conditions. Some overnight travel required. |
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Garage Technician Garage TechnicianDescriptionApproximate Starting Rate: $17.64 per hour. Job SummaryWith general direction and under the close supervision of a journeyman level worker, the apprentice performs preventative maintenance, major overhaul, and general repair work on gasoline and diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and other power equipment. Examples of DutiesThe following is a representative list—other duties may be required.
Basic RequirementsEducation: High school diploma or equivalent. Experience: Six months of experience in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of vehicles and a Certificate of Completion from a vehicle maintenance field or an associates degree in a vehicle maintenance field OR, a journeyman level garage technician/mechanic with five years of current experience in the repair of construction equipment, truck, or aerial/hydraulics. References will be required and verified. Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record. Competencies: Safety awareness; communication; building strategic working relationships; applied learning; adaptability; quality orientation; contributing to team success; decision making; managing work; stress tolerance. Licenses/Certifications: Valid class A CDL driver's license (or the ability to obtain one in 90 days). Physical AbilityRequires the ability to lift and carry parts weighing up to 50 lbs on an occasional basis; push and pull using an exertional force in excess of 50 lbs on a frequent basis; place parts weighing up to 50 lbs on an occasional basis; work at heights up to 150 feet; Applicant must perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others or property. Job placement is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-placement post/offer Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA). Additional RequirementsMust be at least 18 years of age. Enroll in and successfully complete the Apprentice Garage Technician Training Program. Must provide a moderate set of hand tools. Occasional out-of-town travel with overnight stays. If a CDL is not obtained within the specified 90-day time frame, corrective action, up to and including termination, may result. Notes for This PositionRequired to work swing shifts on a rotational basis. |
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Line Operations Technician Line Operations TechnicianDescriptionApproximate Starting Rate: $22.79 per hour. Job SummaryUnder the guidance of a Lines Operation Technician II, is responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of capacitors, reclosers, regulators, sectionalizers, line relays/controls, distribution automation systems, remote device communications systems, and commercial/industrial customer switching schemes. Provides technical expertise and support for lines operations and emergency restoration. Works closely with the regional engineering teams. Monitors devices for correct operation and appropriate settings. Examples of DutiesThe following is a representative list—other duties may be required.
Basic RequirementsEducation: High school diploma or equivalent. Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license. Competencies: Safety awareness; applied learning; communication; adaptability; initiating action; managing work; quality orientation; energy; innovation; stress tolerance. Licenses/Certifications:First Aid/CPR card. Physical AbilityPerform field work 70 percent of the time; carry ladders and test equipment weighing up to 60 lbs; install and remove (approximately four times a day) meter-base-mounted controls requiring up to 100 lbs of exertional force; operate (approximately ten times a day) extendo hot sticks up to 40 ft long and requiring 85 lbs of above-the-shoulder exertional force; work from a ladder or a bucket truck with a total weight capacity of 300 lbs; operate and use an ATV and/or snowmobile; perform the essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property. Job placement is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment, post-offer Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA). Additional RequirementsSuccessful candidate must be at least 18 years of age. Extensive travel with occasional overnight stays. Successful applicant’s total weight, while wearing job-specific tools, is not to exceed the 300-lb capacity of ladders and buckets the applicant will be working from. |
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Welder Fabricator Technician Welder Fabricator TechnicianDescriptionApproximate Staring Rate: $17.64 per hour. Job SummaryUnder general direction and close supervision of a journey level worker, the apprentice develops the skills to manufacture, inspect, and repair Idaho Power equipment, tools, and accessories. Examples of DutiesThe following is a representative list—other duties may be required.
Basic RequirementsEducation: High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of a vocational school or a combination of the appropriate education, training, and experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities. Experience: Six months current experience in the welding fabrication industry, and a certificate of completion from a formal welding fabrication program OR, an associate's degree in a welding fabrication program OR, a journey level Welder Fabricator Technician AND, with five years of current experience in welding fabrication. Competencies: Safety awareness; adaptability; decision making; quality orientation; innovation; managing work (includes time management); applied learning; communication; building strategic working relationships; stress tolerance. Licenses/Certifications: Valid CDL (or the ability to obtain in 90 days). First Aid/CPR card. Physical AbilityThis position requires the ability to lift and carry parts weighing up to 50 lbs on an occasional basis; push and pull using an exertional force in excess of 50 lbs on a frequent basis; place parts weighing up to 50 lbs on an occasional basis; work at heights up to 150 ft; Applicant must perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others or property. Job placement is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-placement post/offer Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA). Additional RequirementsOccasional out of town travel with overnight stays. Be at least 18 years of age. AWS certifications in manual-electrode and semiautomatic welding (or the ability to obtain with in one year). Provide a basic set of hand tools. If CDL and AWS certifications are not obtained within the specified time frame corrective action, up to and including termination, may result. May be required to work a swing shift or on weekends |
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Relay Technician Relay TechnicianDescriptionApproximate Starting Rate: $23.65 per hour. Job SummaryUnder supervision, the Relay Technician Apprentice ensures secure, interconnected electrical power-system operation by installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, repairing, testing, and maintaining power-system monitoring equipment, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) remote terminal units (RTU), remedial action schemes (RAS), and protective relay, control, and communication systems. Examples of DutiesThe following is a representative list—other duties may be required. The apprentice performs these duties under the supervision of a Relay Technician and/or SPC Leader.
Basic RequirementsEducation: Associate’s degree in electronics, OR an equivalent combination of the appropriate education and experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities. Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license. Competencies: Safety awareness; applied learning; communication; decision making; adaptability; quality orientation; managing work (includes time management); contributing to team success; innovation, stress tolerance. Licenses/Certifications: Valid First Aid/CPR card, OR the ability to obtain one within six months of employment. Physical AbilityOccasionally lift and carry relay and test equipment weighing up to 55 lbs; work in areas with limited space; ascend/descend microwave towers up to 150 ft high; and perform all duties of the position without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property. Job placement is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment, post-offer Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA). Additional RequirementsThe successful candidate must live within 20 miles of the assigned location. The apprentice–level candidate must enroll in the IPC Relay Technician Apprenticeship Training Program. |
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Communication Technician Communication TechnicianDescriptionApproximate Starting Rate: $23.65 per hour. Job SummaryUnder Supervision, the Communications Technician apprentice ensures secure operation of the interconnected electrical power system by installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, repairing, testing, and maintaining communications systems. Communications systems include: microwave, power line carrier, telephone, fiber optics, leased circuits, mobile radio systems, and other associated electronic equipment. Examples of DutiesThe following is a representative list—other duties may be required.
Basic RequirementsEducation: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in electronics, OR an equivalent combination of appropriate education and experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities. Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license. Competencies: Safety awareness; adaptability; decision-making; applied learning; communication; managing work (including time management); contributing to team success; quality orientation; innovation; stress tolerance. Licenses/Certifications: Valid First Aid/CPR card, or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment. Physical AbilityAbility to Reach and occasionally lift items weighing up to 60 lbs above shoulder level; lift and move items weighing up to 60 lbs waist-high and knee-high; push/pull using exertional force greater than 50 lbs; carry items weighing up to 60 lbs with two hands; work in remote stations or sites in inclement weather conditions; operate a snowmobile or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to access facilities in winter or spring thaw conditions; hike up to one mile into remote communications sites with snowshoes during winter months; Applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property.Job placement is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-authorization post-offer Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA). Additional RequirementsLive within 30 miles of the assigned location; complete certain Idaho Power Relay Tech Training Program blocks within the first two years of employment to enable standing on-call rotation. |
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Generation Specialist Generation SpecialistDescriptionApproximate Starting Rate: $19.50 per hour. Job SummaryPerforms necessary daily operating and maintenance functions essential for the safe and efficient operation of the area, plant, and facilities. Completes assigned tasks, including preventive and corrective maintenance, and assumes lead role when necessary. Ensures necessary generation by performing manual switching and operation in the event of an emergency (i.e., failure of automated generation dispatch systems). Examples of DutiesThe following is a representative list—other duties may be required.
Basic RequirementsEducation: High school diploma or equivalent. Experience: Experience in power plant operations and maintenance. Competencies: Safety awareness, communication, adaptability, decision making, contribute to team success; manage work (includes time management) initiate action, quality orientation; innovation; build customer loyalty. Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver's license. Physical AbilityThis job will require occasional, physically strenuous work for long periods of time and in adverse conditions. Job requires the ability to bend, stoop, squat, crouch, crawl, climb into and out of vehicles, twist, kneel, balance and reach. Rarely lift shoulder height and above, waist high and knee high items weighing up to 75 lbs. Occasionally using exertional force to push/pull items weighing up to 50 lbs. Occasionally carrying items with two hands or one hand weighing up to 75 lbs. Requires the ability to operate foot pedals while driving a vehicle. Must be able to grasp and hold simple hand tools and testing equipment and use fine motor skills to use a computer keyboard, test equipment, and replace parts. Applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property. Job placement is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment, post-offer Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA). Additional RequirementsJob requires the ability to respond to emergencies outside of and/or in excess of normal working hours; also requires being on call on a rotating basis for the power plant and ability to respond in an appropriate time frame. Job requires occasional travel with overnight stays. Successful candidate may be required to provide a basic set of hand tools. Job requires the EE obtain and wear approved safety footwear. Notes for This PositionRequired to work swing shifts on a rotational basis. |
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Generation Technician Generation TechnicianDescriptionApproximate Starting Rate: $20.38 per hour Job SummaryProvides technical support to generation plants in the procurement, installation, and programming of new equipment. Will assist and receive training from journeyman technicians and/or supervisors in performing the necessary functions to maintain power plant apparatus in reliable working condition. Includes programming, maintenance, and service work. Completes additional assigned tasks and assumes a lead role when necessary. Examples of DutiesThe following is a representative list—other duties may be required.
Basic Requirements
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Generation Dispatcher Generation DispatcherDescriptionApproximate Starting Rate: $27.45 per hour Job SummaryThis is a training position to prepare a qualified employee for progression to journeyman Generation Dispatcher. During on-the-job training, and under direct supervision, the apprentice will learn to coordinate and perform the necessary operating functions essential for the safe, correct, and efficient operations of hydro and combustion turbine power plants and their associated transmission and switching stations. Provides supervisory control and direction to local plant operators. Examples of DutiesThe following is a representative list—other duties may be required.
Basic RequirementsEducation: High school diploma or equivalent. Experience: Previous power plant experience: Nuclear, Gas, Thermal, or Hydro. Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license. Competencies: Communication; decision making; initiating action; information monitoring; stress tolerance; planning and organizing; continuous learning; adaptability; innovation. Physical Ability: Physically able to perform all the essential job functions without posing a direct threat of harm to self, others, or property. Additional RequirementsMust be at least 18 years of age and posses an understanding of generation transmission and control areas. Must obtain NERC Operators Certification within one year of hire. Must enroll in and successfully complete Idaho Power Company's Generation Dispatcher Apprentice program. |


