« Back to All Apprenticeships

Underground Utility Installer Technician

Published
Competency-Based Apprenticeship
Sponsoring Company:
Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP)
Industries
O*Net Code
49-9052.00
Rapids Code
3009CB
Req. Hours
0
State
DC
Created
Jul 16, 2021
Updated
Jul 16, 2021

Competency-Based Skills

6 skill sets | 58 total skills
Install Buried Utilities
Review job design sheets
Gather job materials
Locate existing underground utilities
Pothole existing utilities by hand
Excavate trenches by hand
Perform soil type testing
Bed trenches with select fill
Install conduit / cable
Pull or blow utility wire / cable through conduit
Install utility hand hole / pedestals
Install ground rods
Backfill trenches
Perform site restoration
Maintain Buried Utilities
Perform manhole / hand hole rehabilitation
Manage Job Site
Notify public / landowner of pending work
Conduct safety meeting
Verify permitting documents
Assess job site hazards
Set-up safe work zone
Conduct job briefing
Perform vehicle & equipment inspections (walk around)
Ability to communicate professionally with co-workers, property owners, and customers
One call knowledge & responsibility
Administrative Tasks
Finalize as-built documents
Complete daily timesheets and detailed recording of work activity
Maintain equipment documentation
Maintain job-site report
Manage jobsite or truck inventory
Complete accident/incident/outage reports
Professional Development Activities
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10
Traffic Flagger
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid
Maintain certifications and endorsements as required by employer such as: 1) Commercial driver's license (CDL), 2) Operator Department of Transportation (DOT) qualifications, 3) OSHA (10, 30), 4) Confined Space, 5) Shoring/Trenching, 6) Hazard communication (HAZCOM), 7) Traffic Flagger
Office Tools
Effective use of office PC software when applicable. Products such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Manages email
Demonstrates proper use and maintenance/care for Laptop, Tablet or cell phone
Proper Use Of Hand Tools
Air Compressor
Air & Hydraulic Tools
Block & Tackle
Dynometer (tension)
Fall Restraint Equipment
Fusion Machines
Gas / Manhole Monitors
Hand tools
Hot Line Electrical Tools
Lasers / Transits
Multi-Meter
OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer)
Pipe Threading Equipment
Power Tools
Pumps
Root Saws
Slings / Harnesses
Tape Measure
Traffic Control Tools
Underground Utility Locator
Voltage Indicator

Technical Instruction

Inspection, Care & Use of Personal Protection Equipment - 1 req. hrs
Each apprentice must be trained in the inspection, care and use of PPE for the particular scope of work (SOW) and hazards addressed through their use. While the apprentice is being trained in PPE inspection, care and use, they are to be under direct supervision of a journeyworker at all times, enabling them to draw on the competencies of the journeyworker as they grow in experience in the inspection care, and proper use of PPE. Examples of PPE used by an apprentice include hardhat, proper footwear, eye/face protection, hearing protection, high voltage gloves and glove testing, high voltage blankets and blanket testing, high voltage overshoes and fall protection equipment. This list is not exclusive or exhaustive as the SOW may require the supervisory, journeyworker to engage other types of engineering controls or safety measures. (This topic is part of OSHA 30 course content.)
OSHA 10 - 10 req. hrs
This is a version of the OSHA 10-hour course that is provided by a trainer that has been authorized to perform instruction from OSHA. Topics covered can include hazard identification, exit routes, electrical safety, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, ergonomics, recordkeeping, and reporting, etc. This course does not include confined space training.
First Aid / CPR / Blood Borne Pathogens - 4 req. hrs
Must be properly trained and able to render First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and protect against infection from Blood Borne Pathogens. These courses follow the agendas established by Red Cross, American Heart Association, National Safety Council, or other like organizations. (This topic is part of OSHA 30 course content.)
Hazard Assessment & Communication - 10 req. hrs
An introduction to the various environments and/or structures that work will be performed on. Based upon the SOW and the type of structure it is being applied to the hazards may change and this requires the ability to understand that there is a hazard and it must be communicated to the rest of the team. (This topic is part of OSHA 30 course content.)
Radio Frequency (RF) Awareness & Safety - 1 req. hrs
Overhead Utility Installer Technician (OUIT’s) could be exposed to radiofrequency radiation every day and not be aware of it. It is important for there to be an understanding of the hazard associated with RF and the ability to work as part of a team to communicate the hazard and means of abatement or use of PPE for protection.
Underground Utility Locate Process (One Call) - 2 req. hrs
This course will prepare the apprentice to assist the UUIT to ensure all utilities are located and marked prior to digging/excavation per 29 CFR 1926.651(b) (2). This includes hand digging and pot holing.
CDL & Safe Driving Practices including successful operate of tractor and trailer - 20 req. hrs
Travel from one site to another is one of the greatest risks that face workers in this industry. This course will take the apprentice through the DOT rules and regulations for the industry. Specific emphasis is placed upon proper rest, vehicle inspection, trailer inspection and backing, merging in and out of traffic, and what to do in the event of an emergency. CDL instruction provided off site and by a third-party instructor.
DOT – Securement of Equipment or Load - 2 req. hrs
Introduction to performance requirements concerning cargo deceleration in the forward direction, and acceleration in the rearward and lateral directions, that cargo securement systems must withstand per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements.
Reading Blueprint / Construction Drawings - 8 req. hrs
In this course, the apprentice will learn to understand, navigate, and use blueprints/construction drawings to support pre-construction project planning, job site hazard assessment, scope of work assignment and job site management activities.
Job Site Management - 8 req. hrs
This course will address best practices of job site management including coordination of multiple parties on site, monitoring project performance, managing quality and safety, and addressing issues that “go wrong.”
Excavation & Restoration - 16 req. hrs
This course is designed to provide apprentices with a basic understanding of and the ability to identify existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings of the excavation process, the resulting open trench and restoration of the site as part of construction completion.
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and Other Equipment Operation Best Practices - 10 req. hrs
The course provides an in-depth overview of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and covers six topics: (1) operation and application; (2) equipment and materials; (3) planning, including surface and geological investigations, utility surveys, bore planning, and regulations and permitting; (4) jobsite safety; (5) risk reduction, trouble shooting and mitigation; and (6) design.
Conduit / Duct Bank Installation - 12 req. hrs
The general purpose of this course is to provide instruction on the basic construction methods used to build a duct or conduit for the installation of cable materials. Training will also include Confined Space Training for Permit and No-Permit space and the safety related equipment for Confined Space work.
Manhole / Hand Hole Installation - 12 req. hrs
The general purpose of this course is to provide instruction on the basic construction methods used to install a manhole or hand hole for future access to cable materials.
Cable Handling, Installation & Splicing - 20 req. hrs
This course will provide instruction in fiber optic technology including theory, safety, installation, splicing and testing techniques. Upon successful completion, the student may receive Fiber Optic Technician Certification from the Fiber Optic Association.
Backfill, Compaction, Finish Grading - 10 req. hrs
This course will provide instruction in safe and efficient backfill, compaction, and finish grading requirements post excavation.
Electrical Safety and Stray Voltage Detection - 5 req. hrs
Training in the identification and abatement of electrical hazards that may be encountered as a part of the SOW. Electrical Safety training to include Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) for telecom workers as per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.268 Table R-2, testing of rubber goods (Gloves booties, blankets), proper use of a Foreign Voltage detector, other volt and voltage detector equipment. Identification and basic understanding of electrical distribution overhead wiring systems and components, Telecom Worker safety (40”) zone and distribution pole clearance requirements as per NESC, OSHA, State, Local and Electric Utility standards.
Lock Out / Tag Out - 2 req. hrs
Must be trained in the identification and abatement of electrical hazards that may be encountered as a part of the SOW. Such training will address the proper use of monitors, lock out tag out, system turn down and client communication IAW 29 CFR 1926.4, sub part K. (This topic is part of OSHA 30 course content.)
Material Handling & Storage - 2 req. hrs
This course provides basic information that apprentices should know before moving, handling, and storing materials; introduction of potential hazards for workers; discussion of precautions should workers take when moving materials manually or mechanically; precautions workers must take to avoid storage and stacking hazards. Training to include proper moving of wood poles and cable reels. (This topic is part of OSHA 30 course content.)

Save as PDF

You can save this PDF (and any PDF) directly from the Print dialog in your browser. Click "Open Print Dialog", then switch the Printer to "Save as PDF".

Open Print Dialog