Apprenticeships & Skilled Craft
It’s an exciting time to work in the energy sector. We’re a leader in the industry, and each of our co-workers contributes to creating a more sustainable energy future for every customer and business in our region.
Apprenticeship Qualifications
- Obtain recommended status after completion of the Construction and Skilled Trades (CAST) test or General Power Plant Battery (GPPB) test.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Valid Class E (MO) or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Must be punctual, have reliable attendance, and possess a positive attitude.
- Must pass drug screen and background check.
- Applicants must be aligned with Ameren's core values and have a desire to help the community.
Career Tracks
Primary Skills
- Climbing school, tower companies, tree trimmers, utility companies, farmers, coal mines, military, etc.
Other Skills
- Communication – position requires apprentice to interact with customers.
- Computer skills are a plus but not required.
- Versatility – Candidates should have the ability to adapt quickly to their environment.
- Miscellaneous – Candidates will need to listen, remember, and perform directions from journeyman or supervisor.
- Applicants need to be physically fit. Position requires climbing and working many hours with your arms above your head. Apprentices also work underground in tight spaces.
Transfers
- Transfers from IL to MO are very rare and require special approval from senior leadership.
- Apprentices are expected to complete their apprenticeship before they transfer to other operating centers (Local702 may allow transfers but apprentices may or may not have bid rights).
Callouts
- Apprentices are on 24/7. Apprentice must take a minimum of 10% call outs. Callouts will include storm duty and may require extended out of town duty (within and out of state).
Overtime
- Apprentice will work overtime including holidays and weekends.
Domicile
- Apprentices must live within 25 miles of operating center. Candidates have six months to move. This applies to internal candidates as well. Some unions grant up to six months after candidates become journeyman to move.
Training
- 36 months or (4) 9 month steps. Test required after each step.
- 1st 9 months – climbing school,
- 2nd 9 months – cold or non-energized lines,
- 3rd & 4th – work with primary and high voltage.
- Classroom training every six months.
- Apprentices must also study ALBAT (American Line Builders Apprenticeship Training) book and test after each step.
- Apprentices must pass Journeyman exam.
Primary Skills
- Mechanical aptitude (must pass CAST)
- Preferred Skills: HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, farming, construction, manual work, sewer, municipality, utility, military, etc.
Other Skills
- Communication – Position requires apprentice to interact with customers.
- Computer skills are a plus but not required.
- Versatility – Candidates should have the ability to adapt quickly to their environment.
- Miscellaneous – Candidates will need to listen, remember and perform directions from journeyman or supervisor. Applicants need to be physically fit. Position requires hard labor such as hand digging and operating a jack hammer.
Typical Day for Gas Apprentice includes:
- Construction Crew – The apprentice could be assigned to a Construction Crew consisting of crew chief (journeyman foreman), journeymen, and other apprentice. The crew may include co-workers from different operating centers (occasionally these crews may be assigned to other areas including travel and out-of-town work).
- Gas Technical Services – The apprentice may be assigned to a Trouble Truck. The assignment includes a journeyman and an apprentice. The pair performs Gas Technical Services such as gas leaks, connects, disconnects, etc. Note: Apprentice will receive a higher number of after-hours calls and overtime on this assignment.
Transfers
- Transfers from IL to MO are very rare and require special approval from senior leadership.
- Apprentices are expected to complete their apprenticeship before they transfer to other operating centers (Local 702 may allow transfers but apprentice may or may not have bid rights).
Callouts
- Apprentices are on 24/7. Apprentice must take a minimum of 10% callouts.
Overtime
- Apprentice will work overtime including holidays and weekends.
Domicile
- Must live within 25 miles of operating center. Candidates have six months to move (applies to internal candidates as well).
Training
- 27 months broken into three nine-month steps. Test required after each step.
- Most training is in the field. Classroom training every four to six weeks (class training requires one to two weeks on the road in Pawnee.) Must pass Journeyman exam.
Other
- Must become Respirator qualified.
Primary Skills
- Candidates should have a mechanical background.
- Applicants must be physically fit. Position requires climbing steel structure from 30 to 80 feet. Candidates must enter manhole-sized entrances as well as crawl and work in confined spaces. Applicants will be exposed to high voltage, heat, cold, as well as dead and live animals.
Note: Most apprentice positions are filled by internal candidates from the garage, power plants, and building services (building mechanics).
Communication
- Position may require apprentice to interact with customers.
Transfers
- Transfers from IL to MO are very rare and require special approval from senior leadership.
- Apprentices are expected to complete their apprenticeship before they transfer to other operating centers.
Callouts
- Apprentices are on 24/7. Apprentices must take a minimum of 10% call outs.
Overtime
- Apprentices will work overtime including holidays and weekends.
Domicile
- Apprentices must live within 25 miles of operating center. Candidates have six months to move (applies to internal candidates as well).
Training
- 27 months broken into three nine-month steps. Testing is required after each step
- Most training is in the field. Classroom training occurs every four to six weeks.
Primary Skills
- Must have an associate degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology.
- High level of computer literacy.
- Knowledge of data communication protocols (e.g. Modbus, DNP 3) a plus.
- Prior experience in electric, power plants, gas utility, or high-voltage industrial environment preferred.
- Applicants need to be comfortable working in a high-voltage environment and in extreme hot and cold temperatures.
Note: Recruiter should collect and review transcripts for AC/DC and math classes such as algebra and trigonometry.
Transfers
- Transfers from IL to MO are very rare and require special approval from senior leadership.
- Apprentices are expected to complete their apprenticeship before they transfer to other operating centers.
Callouts
- Relay Apprentices are on 24/7. Apprentices must take a minimum of 10% callouts.
Note: Relay Techs receive far less call outs than other apprentices. However, callouts increase in fall in winter.
Overtime
- Apprentices will work overtime including holidays and weekends.
Domicile
- Apprentices must live within 25 miles of operating center. Candidate have six months to move (applies to internal candidates as well).
Training
- 27 months broken into three nine-month steps. Testing is required after each step.
- Most training is in the field. Classroom training occurs every four to six weeks.
Other
- Substation Relay Apprentices perform the majority of their work on laptop computers.
- No CDL required for Relay Techs.
Applicable to: St. Louis and St. Louis County
Duties
Under direct and intermittent supervision and working with an Underground System Journeyman or Underground System Leader, perform a full range of work in the construction, maintenance, repair, modification, and demolition of the underground cable transmission and distribution systems; drive and operate a full range of equipment; full range of equipment; perform cable splicing or joint construction on all voltages; perform helper and general labor work for and with field crews when not assisting Underground System Journeyman or Underground System Leader, and do similar and less skilled work as required. In this connection, perform details of work such as:
- Transport and operate all types of equipment necessary to perform the job at hand; clean, lubricate, and make minor repairs to tools and equipment, as needed.
- Perform a full range of splicing, maintenance, and construction duties as outlined in the underground system training program.
Note: There shall be no limitation or restriction of any kind regarding the number or type of pieces of equipment that may be operated by an Underground System -Trainee during any work day or period of work.
Special Responsibilities
- Exercising exceptional care to avoid damaging cables while working around them.
- Proper care and use of all equipment, tools, and materials while on the job.
- Cooperating with others in a work crew to insure a speedy restoration of service in case of emergency.
- Observing safety rules so as not to jeopardize him/her self, the public, or those working with him/her, with particular reference to risks of electrical shock from energized cables about or near which work is being done.
- As required, provide for adequate shoring, bracing, bridging, barricading, and warning devices.
- Greasing hydraulic rams to prevent rusting.
- Care to avoid accidents due to boom or other parts of equipment contacting passing vehicles, nearby structures, power or communication wires, or persons.
- Care in operating equipment to prevent damage to structures or property of this or other companies and the public.
- Availability for and timely response to callouts are conditions for satisfactory job performance.
Contacts
Occasionally meet with customers, inspectors, and representatives of Ameren and of other companies
concerning cable failures regarding the installation or removal of Ameren service and facilities.
Working Conditions
Exposed to outside weather conditions; at times, subject to work in cramped and crowded positions
and on slippery or uneven surfaces. Subject to storm and emergency work at any time of the day or
night.
Hazards
- Subject to hazards of shock, flash, burns or cuts while working on or around electrical cables and equipment; hazards of gas fumes and gas or electrical explosion when working in manholes; to the hazards of earth sliding or caving in while working in trench, manhole and vault excavations.
- Subject to hazards of falling when working on uneven surfaces or on elevated surfaces or structures.
- Subject to hazards of street traffic.
Qualifications
- Graduation from high school or successful completion of a recognized high school equivalency examination.
- Must have excellent visual and muscular coordination of eyes, hands, arms and legs, be steady and alert, able-bodied and surefooted, have ordinary physical strength and be thoroughly dependable.
- Demonstrated potential to operate all hydraulic equipment and attachments safely and efficiently.
- Must have successfully passed the C.A.S.T. test.
- Must successfully pass the AC/DC test as defined in the Underground System Training Program.
- Must successfully pass the pre-evaluation test.
- Must obtain and maintain a valid Interstate Class A Commercial Driver’s License.
Other
Candidates who cannot perform some or all of these duties because of disabilities will nevertheless
receive full consideration for the job based on their ability to perform the essential functions.
Entry Level Positions
Entry Level:
- Laborers
Promote into the following apprenticeships:
- Welders/Repairmen
- Electricians
- Machinists
- Master Technicians
Career progression after apprenticeship:
- Electricians, Welders/Repairmen, Machinists, Master Technicians
- Supervisory
- Management
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- EPA Refrigeration Technician Training Record
Entry Level:
- Pre-Apprentice Laborer (PAL) St. Louis Metro Area
(An entry-level opportunity to determine which career (below) suits you.)
PALs promote into the following apprenticeships:
- Underground
- Substation
- Lineworkers
Career progression after apprenticeship:
- Gas or Line worker Journeyman
- Troubleman worker
- Supervisory position
- Superintendent or Training position
Entry Level:
- Gas Apprentice
- Lineworker apprentice
- Substation & Relay Apprentices
Career progression after apprenticeship:
- Gas or Line worker Journeyman
- Troubleman worker
- Substation/Relayworker/Journeyman
- Systems Control Operator Position
- Supervisory positions
- Superintendent or Training position
Pre-Apprentice Laborers (PAL)
Learn more about how you can power the quality of life with our pre-apprentice program.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step in the apprentice process is to submit your information on the Apprentice Portal.
Background checks are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Ameren screens for criminal and driver's records. Candidates will have the opportunity to disclose any background concerns to the recruiter in confidence. Credit checks are not conducted for apprentice positions.
Yes, an apprentice will shadow the journeyman in their trade and learn from them. At Ameren, we teach/coach our apprentice to our standards which produces knowledgeable and safe coworkers in their trade.
Candidates are required to obtain a Class A CDL Permit (written test) prior to the first day of work. You will be required to obtain your Class A CDL License within six months of your start date.
Probationary periods differ according to unions. The average is six months to one year.
Yes, candidates are required to live within 25 miles from the designated service center.
Yes, you may apply for any position you feel is a good match for your qualifications and interest.
Transfer policies vary according to unions. Circumstances such as bid rights, seniority, vacancies, and journeymen to apprentice ratio may affect the ability to move.
In general, apprentices are expected to remain in their position until they complete their apprenticeship.
An apprentice has the same duties as a journeyman (they might not be allowed to complete some work due to not having been fully trained in that particular area). This helps an apprentice to learn their trade by doing hands-on work alongside the journeyman.
An Ameren Illinois/Ameren Missouri Apprentice is an Ameren co-worker who is learning their specific trade by working alongside a journeyman with the needed experience to safely complete the work.
Testing & Evaluation
CAST Test
Applicants can prepare for the CAST by taking a practice test. The CAST Test consists of four tests (or sections):
- Graphic Arithmetic - This test assesses your ability to solve arithmetic problems via use of information from prints.
- Mechanical Concepts - The exam test assesses your ability to understand mechanical principles.
- Reading for Comprehension - This test assesses one's ability to read and comprehend written materials.
- Mathematical Usage - This test assesses your ability to work out basic mathematic problems with the information provided at the beginning of the test.
GPPB Test
Applicants can prepare for the GPPB by reading the test description and reviewing the interviewing and testing process.
Congratulations on being "Recommended" on the CAST/GPPB test. The next step is a phone interview to review your work history and to assess qualifications for the job.
The “Recommended” result is valid as long as Ameren continues to use CAST/GPPB as a selection tool. Ameren will also accept a “Recommended” score from another company if the results fall within the company's "threshold" or scoring goal.
Yes, you are eligible to take the CAST/GPPB test again in 30 days. However, you must be invited to take the CAST/GPPB test again. Applicants are allowed a maximum of three attempts with Ameren to achieve a "Recommended" score.
Candidates receive their CAST/GPPB results by email within one to three business days. Candidates will receive a "Recommended" or "Not Recommended" outcome.
When a position becomes available, you will be asked to apply online. You will then be invited to a behavioral interview.
Candidates who received a "Not Recommended" on their EV are eligible to take the exam again in 30 days. However, priority will be provided to candidates who are taking the test for the first time.
Yes, candidates are reimbursed for mileage at the allotted IRS rate.
The hiring team will designate candidates who will EV for their respective positions.
Candidates are contacted via email.
Evaluations range from 1 to 5 days based on the specific requirements of the position.
Results are emailed in 2 to 4 business days.
EVs are applicable from 6 months to 1 year based on the apprentice program.
Yes, Ameren will provide lodging and meal reimbursement for traveling candidates.
You will receive a detailed confirmation email with specific evaluation information outlining what you will need to bring. Please carefully review the document.
*Ameren will provide a comprehensive EV summary to all selected candidates.