Apprenticeship Programs

Get a Head Start with Our Pre-apprentice Program for Craft and Skilled Trade

We're willing to invest in your future. Apply for a Pre-Apprentice position at APS and start a career, not just a job.

Energize Your Future

Pre-Apprentice positions are projected to be posted again sometime between September and December 2025. Learn about the pre-employment testing.

tailboard workers Looking for a new and exciting career? Our pre-apprentices and apprentices work directly with journeyman lineworkers, auto mechanics, substation electricians and polyphase metermen to learn the ropes from the experts. APS hires pre-apprentice line workers, substation electricians and polyphase metermen once a year.

Sign up for alerts on the APS Careers website so you receive an email when jobs are posted. Check back frequently and also follow us on social media for updates for the 2024-2025 hiring cycle. Email Preapprentice@aps.com for more details.

Apply for Pre-Apprentice positions at APS and start a career, not just a job.

What you’ll do:

Join the largest utility Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Arizona where you’ll be paid to learn to become a Journeyman Lineman/ Substation Electrician/Polyphase Meterman.
Work outdoors in a team environment.
Receive in-classroom and on-the-job training.
Rotate within the organization and assist Journeyman with:
- Pre-Apprentice Linemen: various tasks including rigging, operating hydraulic tools, boom trucks and forklifts; running parts, ground work, driving bucket trucks, install poles, trenches, and working in confined spaces.
- Pre-Apprentice Substation Electrician: various tasks including repair/install/replace conduit, duct banks, and sweeps; building and maintaining electrical substations from 12kv to 500kv; rigging; operate hydraulic tools; operate boom truck & forklift; working from aerial lifts; install poles, trenches and working in confined spaces.
- Pre-Apprentice Polyphase Meterman: Learn and gain experience in the trade with KWH testing single phase meters, AMI meters and CT rated meter installations; install/replace single phase selfcontained meters, perform dead meter checks on single phase meters and working in confined spaces.

What you’ll receive:

Get paid to train! – During the 9 to 12-month program, Pre-Apprentices receive statewide on-the-job skills training plus craft-related classroom instruction.
Climb in your career – Upon completion of the Pre-Apprentice Program, graduates are eligible to apply for a position in APS’ award-winning Apprenticeship Program.
National recognition – The four-year APS Apprenticeship Program is registered with the State of Arizona Office of Apprenticeship and the U.S. Department of Labor, offering best-in-class development. Winner of five Arizona State Exemplary Apprenticeship Program Awards: 2004, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2018.
Community involvement – Play an integral role in your community by providing safe and reliable power to customers.
No day is the same! – Challenge yourself by working outdoors in a team environment solving problems.
Competitive pay and benefits – Starting pay around $31.74/hr with opportunities for overtime, annual incentive plan participation, Medical/Dental/Vision, 401(k), retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement, generous PTO plan, life insurance and much more!

Get started

Make sure you meet these minimum requirements:

Updated resume
At least 18 years old
High school diploma or GED
Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Successfully pass the EEI CAST B test
Successful completion of college level “Introduction to College Algebra” course, NJATC Technical Mathematics course, or equivalent with a grade “C” or better
Lineman & Substation Electrician only: Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with no mechanical restrictions and safe driving record
Apply for PreApprentice Positions (Positions will be posted for at least a two-week window)

Hiring Process

Selected candidates may be invited to take the EEI CAST-B test
Passing candidates may be invited to participate in the Field Evaluations (hands-on test)
Candidates successful in the field evaluation are invited to interview

Download a PDF of this information here.

Pre-apprentice Opportunities

Lineman

Being a lineman requires both mental and physical strength, as they not only work to build and maintain the grid but are also considered first responders during storms and other events that may affect our system.

Watch Video