PowerPathway™—Frequently Asked Questions

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• How do I apply for PowerPathway?
  Applications are only being taken through the contact form.
• Is there a charge for the classes, if so, how much does it cost?
  Current CA community college tuition standards are:
  
  • Resident tuition requires residency in CA for at least one year plus one day - Cost $20/unit
  
  • Non-resident tuition for US Citizen (i.e., lived in CA less than one year) - Cost $184/unit
  
  • Non-resident tuition for non-US Citizen - Cost $194/unit.
  
  Example: Using the residency cost of $20/unit, the tuition for the PowerPathway Full Bridge course (200-300 hours) at approximately 16 hours per unit would range from $250 to $375. Depending on the participant’s income level, tuition for pilot courses may be waived. Participants will not be paid while attending classes. Any incidental expenses beyond tuition must be covered by participants.
• What are the hours classes are held? Any night school options?
  The class hours vary depending upon the type of course and location. For more details, see the course schedule.
• I don't live near one of the colleges listed, when will you be offering a class in my area?
  Future locations have not yet been determined. You are welcome to check the website periodically for updates. In addition, we will retain the information from your contact form for potential consideration for any future classes that may be held in your area.
• I am interested in classifications other than utility worker/apprentice lineman, when will you be ready to offer those classes?
  Additional pathways into welding, instrument and electrical technician, and mechanic classifications are under development. We will retain the information from your contact form for potential consideration for any future classes that may be held in your area.
• Are you guaranteed a job when you finish PowerPathway, what are your chances of getting one?
  While participation in a PG&E PowerPathway course does not guarantee a job at PG&E, it is PG&E's commitment to consider and evaluate all applicants who successfully complete the course. The successful completion of the PowerPathway program is expected to help potential applicants be more competitive for jobs at PG&E.
• Do you have to go through PowerPathway to get a job at PG&E?
  No. You may apply for jobs directly through PG&E's career website. PG&E's PowerPathway is not a substitute for the company's standard hiring process. PowerPathway provides courses designed to bridge existing skill and knowledge levels to prepare individuals for PG&E's pre-employment tests and help potential applicants be more competitive for jobs at PG&E.
• Can I get into PowerPathway or get a job if I have been convicted of a felony?
  At minimum, you must pass a drug test, a criminal check and a general background check with no record of a felony or criminal probation to get a job at PG&E.
• Are there other training programs outside of PowerPathway offered by trade schools, community colleges or others that would help get me into PG&E?
  Visit PG&E's career website to review the requirements for positions that are interesting to you. Contact the trade schools or community colleges in your area to determine which programs will help you enhance your existing skills or learn new skills.
• I submitted my contact form but no one has called me, how soon will someone call me?
  Upon submitting your Contact Form, you will receive an e-mail acknowledgement that we received your information. Your information will be reviewed to determine whether your background, location, and interests are a match for the program. Please be advised that the PowerPathway program is being piloted in limited geographical areas and only a limited number of candidates will be admitted into each PowerPathway training course. You will only be called if you are under consideration or additional information is needed from you.
• What can my agency do to become a part of the Outreach and Referral Network? We are delighted in your interest in joining the Outreach and Referral Network.
  We would like to include you on the distribution list for our PowerPathway e-newsletter. If you have candidates who are interested in the PowerPathway program, please have them complete the contact form and identify your agency.
• I already applied for a job at PG&E and took the entrance tests but never heard the results?
  To obtain your test results, please call the following hotline: 1-925-459-6111.
• If I already passed the PG&E pre-employment tests, should I still apply for the PowerPathway program?
  If you have already passed the PG&E pre-employment test(s) for the position of interest, then you should monitor and apply directly for jobs posted on the career website.
• Can I get into PowerPathway if I don’t have a high school diploma or GED?
  Yes.
• What type of classes make up the PowerPathway college curriculum?
  In general, candidates must demonstrate mastery of at least 8th-10th grade level literacy and mathematics skills to be considered for PowerPathway courses. Spatial reasoning, the ability to follow directions, the candidate's comfort with working at heights, and the ability to handle the physical demands of the jobs are evaluated during the selection process. If accepted into the Utility Worker / Apprentice Lineworker course, candidates will undergo a training curriculum that will include:
  
  Reading and Comprehension: This will strengthen the candidate’s ability to read and understand required documents such as job instructions and drawings, construction standard manuals, and material lists essential to performing the work.
  
  Applied Mathematics: Understanding calculations involving addition, subtraction, and multiplication of percentages, fraction, etc.
  
  Physical conditioning: Exercises that strengthen and prepare a student for the rigor of pole climbing, lifting, etc.
  
  Industry-specific knowledge: Safe Working Practices, Basic Electricity, Pole Climbing, Using Ropes, Confined Working Spaces, and other areas of knowledge required to perform the work.
  
  Soft skills training: Time Management for college success, interviewing skills, communication skills for on-the-job success, etc.