The NEPPA Training Department: The Year In Review

2013 began with an ambitious plan to offer as many training programs as could be logistically completed. Dates and minimum attendance numbers were decided upon and sign-ups began. Email notices went out at appropriate times and the programs began to fill up and it became apparent that the new NEPPA Training Center was going to be busy. In addition to the many safety meetings that are held at the member’s site, the following are some of the training sessions held in Littleton.

The Apprentice Lineworker Program ran all 4 classes with the first year class having 15 new students, the second year class returning 12 students, the third year class having 9 students and the fourth year class graduating 12 students. Each class of apprentices meets for four weeks (four- to six-hour days) annually with a two-day Skills Assessment Rodeo added to the schedule. The Apprentice School follows the Northwest Lineman College curriculum for the classroom segment along with a practical set of industry standards for the pole yard segment.

Substation II was offered again this year with 10 students meeting for four four-day weeks. Substation II covers all of the substation equipment such as Relays, Circuit Breakers, Capacitors, and Power Transformers, among many other subjects. This year the program was enhanced by bringing in a Schweitzer Engineer to cover Schweitzer Relays and software and also the generous contribution of an engineer from Wellesley Municipal Light Plant, Mike Coppellotti, who spent a day covering Print Reading. A field trip to the National Grid Control Center was also a highlight of this program.

Due to the demand, both Metering I and Metering II classes were run in 2013. Metering I covers the basics of metering and this year was attended by 8 students for 4 days of training. Metering II (eight days, 18 students) is an advanced metering class and covers metering topics in much greater depth. Electronic meter programming, meter testing, AMR, and AMI are among the subjects covered. The Metering classes are offered on Mondays to allow meter personnel to not miss too many consecutive days at work.

NEPPA also ran several other training sessions. A two-day seminar in October on Crew Leadership was attended by more than 30 participants. A General Foremen's Roundtable was held at the NEPPA Training Center with 37 foremen in attendance. Several Customer Service Department training sessions were also held and the Mutual Aid group held training sessions at various times throughout the year.

Looking forward to the coming year, NEPPA anticipates offering several new training sessions. The State of Massachusetts is now requiring continuing education for those holding Hoisting Licenses and we are exploring the possibility of providing that training. Many of the training topics we offer come from our membership so if you have a need or an idea, please contact the NEPPA Office and let us know your needs. Also, new Audio/Visual equipment has been installed in the training room and should be an enhancement to all of our programs.

2013 has been a very busy and successful year for the NEPPA Training Department. Thank you for your continued support and may 2014 be even better!