ABOUT THE POWER4VETS TRAINING PLAN

APPROACH

Power4Vets™ utilizes online, simulation based training to rapidly bring veterans up to speed in the power industry. The training program centers on building the skills, knowledge, and experience to become a power system operator (Learn more about system operators). The content is challenging; it used to train thousands of actual system operators yearly.

The Power4Vets™ program expects all of its recruits to score highly on the online content and exhibit self-motivation while learning the content. Once accepted into the program, the student has received the scholarship and student will not be required to pay back the cost of the training should they fail to finish. The GI Bill (downloads pdf) will pay for NERC certification testing at the end of the program. IncSys provides scholarships that cover the entire cost of training for the recruit, this is worth over $5000. This opportunity is meant for serious candidates only.

STUDY PHASES

After acceptance into the program, you will be given the Power4Vets™ Program Manual which is a step-by-step outline for the program. You will also recieve the Power4Vets™ Study Guide which will be referred to within the training. You will be issued a username and password to access your training. Training will be primarily online and self-paced but you will be encouraged to study with other Power4Vets™ recruits in your area. Our educational partnerships (learn more) may be another resource if a participating academic institution are located nearby.

PRE-TRAINING/SUPPLEMENTARY TRAINING (OPTIONAL)

Based on previous experience, the student may wish to study remedial electricity and mathematics basics. If you have no experience in power systems, this is highly recommended. In this phase you will be provided a practice set of questions (in the Study Guide) and training material. You will be expected to study the material on your own until you are comfortable with the content. You will be able to verify your knowledge with a supplementary training test when ready. If you do not pass, or find you need more practice, you may wish to recall various sections as needed. A sample of topics include: Trigonometry, Principles of DC curcuits, Principles of AC curcuits, Active and Reactive Power, and Geometry.

   » PASSING CONDITIONS: Self-guided. Failed activities can be repeated.
   » HOURS OF TRAINING: 10-20 hours depending on background
   » EXPECTED LENGTH OF PHASE: 1-2 weeks

PHASE I: Emergency Operations Simulation-Based Training (REQUIRED)

During this phase, the recruit will learn about the complex world of power systems using the PowerSimulator™ software. The emphasis of the course is on emergency operations – how to prepare for, cope with, and prevent major power system disturbances. This segment consists of around 60 hours of training split into flash-based tutorials and exercise based simulation exercises. By the end of this phase, the recruit will have a solid foundation for understanding the industry and practice emulating the tasks of a system operator. It usually takes years of experience for a system operator to actually experience a blackout of the grid, but you will have practiced before you even get the job!

   » PASSING CONDITIONS: 80% grade on every learning activity. 90% or above preferred. Failed activities can be repeated.
   » HOURS OF TRAINING: ~60 hours
   » EXPECTED LENGTH OF PHASE: 1 – 3 months

PHASE II: NERC Certification Training (REQUIRED)

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) supplies the rules governing the planning and operation of the electric power industry, called NERC Standards. Knowing these rules is a vital step in understanding the why and how of power system operations. Moreover, NERC requires all system operators to be NERC certified and to maintain their certification. The objective of this phase is to teach you the rules of the road and prepare you to pass the exam. This phase is also online and self-paced. After you have completed this phase, you will sign up and take the NERC certification exam. Upon passing the exam, you are legally certified to operate the power system (though you will likely have a lot to learn still about the actual system you will operate).

   » PASSING CONDITIONS: 80% grade on every learning activity. 90% or above preferred. Failed activities can be repeated.
   » HOURS OF TRAINING: ~60 hours
   » EXPECTED LENGTH OF PHASE: 1 – 3 months

(Optional) Phase III: Job Shadowing, Tours, Mentoring, and Internships

Phase III is optional based on the availability of job shadowing, tours and mentoring by utility personnel in the area. If available, we will seek to link the recruit up with utility personnel, preferably those with a military background, to learn about what they actually do on the job. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions, observe, and determine whether the industry is right for you. On occasion, restoration drills or training sessions are conducted in the area and the recruits can be invited to attend or even sit in with actual operators. After becoming NERC Certified, we are actively following up on opportunities for paid and unpaid internships with local power organizations. The goal of the internship is to give the recruit hands on experience in the industry in a diverse range of tasks. Ultimately, this internship would lead towards a full time position.

TIPS TO SUCCESS

A career in the power industry is relatively stable and secure. However, actually getting started has a learning curve that is hard for some to overcome. Power4Vets™ lowers those barriers by making it easier to learn with focused training content and flexible training tools. Most of the training can be done at your own pace, and with no cost to the recruit. Even so, we have gathered a few tips for achieving the highest level of success:

» WORK HARD: You get what you put into it. An 80% is a pass, but you should aim for 90% or above.
» TECHNICAL BACKGROUND: Any vet is eligible for Power4Vets, but you may benefit from a technical background.
» SELF MOTIVATION: Staying focused and motivated is a big plus.
» TRAIN IN TEAMS: Try practicing exercises and discussing topics with a fellow recruit.
» ASK QUESTIONS: IncSys is available to explain some concepts if you run into a wall.
» EXPLORE THE SIMULATOR: The PowerSimulator™ is a powerful tool. Make the most of it.
» BE ACTIVE: You should actively be applying and working with IncSys to get your resume out there.