Apprenticehigh-growth icon

high-growth icon This job type includes specializations that have been identified as high-growth occupations in the Massachusetts Clean Energy Workforce Needs Assessment .

An Apprentice is a worker who is enrolled in a certified apprenticeship program aimed to learn a trade from a licensed professional by completing hands-on field work and classroom hour requirements. After learning and hour requirements are satisfied, an Apprentice is eligible for a journeyman license to advance their career. Some examples of skilled trades in clean energy that allow apprenticeships are Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, HVACR Technicians, and Utility Workers.

Wind Turbine Service Technician

Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

This technician climb wind turbines to access work areas for service.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.
  • Climb wind turbine towers to inspect, maintain, or repair equipment.
  • Test electrical components of wind systems with devices, such as voltage testers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, infrared testers, or fiber optic equipment.
  • Start or restart wind turbine generator systems to ensure proper operations.
  • Troubleshoot or repair mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions related to variable pitch systems, variable speed control systems, converter systems, or related components.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Field Service Technician, Maintenance and Service Wind Turbine Technician (OMS Wind Turbine Technician)

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$52,910

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Post-secondary Training or Associate's

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

1-2 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Repairing, Troubleshooting, Equipment Maintenance, Critical Thinking, Operation Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Active Listening, Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Speaking

Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Terrazzo

Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Cement Masons inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Check the forms that hold the concrete to see that they are properly constructed.
  • Set the forms that hold concrete to the desired pitch and depth, and align them.
  • Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using rake, shovel, hand or power trowel, hand or power screed, and float.
  • Monitor how the wind, heat, or cold affect the curing of the concrete throughout the entire process.
  • Mold expansion joints and edges, using edging tools, jointers, and straightedge.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Cement Finisher, Cement Mason

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$44,810

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Apprenticeship/Postsecondary Training

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

0-2 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Monitoring, Coordination, Quality Control Analysis, Speaking, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Brickmasons and Blockmasons, Construction Carpenters, Terrazzo Workers and Finishers

Electrician

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

An electrician is connecting offshore wind turbines to an onshore substation. The electrician complies with local codes and techniques learned during an apprenticeship.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
  • Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
  • Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
  • Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
  • Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Chief Electrician, Inside Wireman

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$56,180

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

1-2 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Troubleshooting, Repairing, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Installation, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving, Equipment Maintenance, Instructing

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters, Elevator Installers and Repairers, Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

Subsea Cable Installer

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Subsea Cable Installers test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning, such as ensuring cables are buried at a safe depth.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.
  • Test conductors, according to electrical diagrams and specifications, to identify corresponding conductors and to prevent incorrect connections.
  • Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
  • Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.
  • Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

A Class Lineman, Electrical Lineman (Power)

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$72,520

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Apprenticeship/Postsecondary Training

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

1-2 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Active Listening, Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Operation Monitoring, Troubleshooting, Complex Problem Solving, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters, Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door, Maintenance and Repair Workers

Ironworker / Steelworker

Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Ironworkers install metal structural components for turbines.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required.
  • Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.
  • Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.
  • Fasten structural steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope.
  • Hoist steel beams, girders, or columns into place, using cranes or signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift and position structural steel members.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Fitter / Welder, Iron Worker

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$55,040

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Apprenticeship/Postsecondary Training

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

0-2 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Coordination, Operation and Control, Operation Monitoring, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Boilermakers, Brickmasons and Blockmasons, Construction Carpenters

Rigger

Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Riggers would attach rigging to objects so they can be moved.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials.
  • Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.
  • Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools.
  • Select gear such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.
  • Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Gantry Rigger, Hand Rigger

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$50,860

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Apprenticeship/Postsecondary Training

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

0-2 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Operation and Control, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Monitoring, Operation Monitoring

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers, Pile-Driver Operators, Insulation Workers

Hoist and Winch Operator

Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Hoist and Winch Operators are responsible for loading turbine blades onto a trailer

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Move levers, pedals, and throttles to stop, start, and regulate speeds of hoist or winch drums in response to hand, bell, buzzer, telephone, loud-speaker, or whistle signals, or by observing dial indicators or cable marks.
  • Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.
  • Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
  • Operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam-driven hoists or winches to control movement of cableways, cages, derricks, draglines, loaders, railcars, or skips.
  • Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Electrical Traveling Overhead Crane Operator (ETOC Operator), Hoist Operator

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$59,720

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Apprenticeship/Postsecondary Training

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

0-2 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Operation Monitoring, Time Management, Active Listening, Operation and Control, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness, Speaking

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators, Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas and Mining, Mine Cutting and Channeling Machine Operators

Welder

Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Welders align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
  • Operate safety equipment and use safe work habits.
  • Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications.
  • Recognize, set up, and operate hand and power tools common to the welding trade, such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
  • Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and other alloys.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Brazer, Fabricator

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$42,490

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

0-2 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Operation Monitoring, Time Management

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Print Binding and Finishing Workers

Crane Operator

Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Crane Operators move blades or substructures using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
  • Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads.
  • Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
  • Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
  • Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Crane Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$56,690

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Apprenticeship/Postsecondary Training

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

1-2 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Operation and Control, Operation Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Monitoring, Judgment and Decision Making, Speaking, Time Management

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Pile-Driver Operators, Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

Elevator Installer & Repairer

Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Elevator Installers & Repairers maintain mechanical equipment.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Assemble, install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, and dumbwaiters, using hand and power tools, and testing devices such as test lamps, ammeters, and voltmeters.
  • Test newly installed equipment to ensure that it meets specifications, such as stopping at floors for set amounts of time.
  • Locate malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and signal and control systems, using test equipment.
  • Check that safety regulations and building codes are met, and complete service reports verifying conformance to standards.
  • Connect electrical wiring to control panels and electric motors.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Elevator Adjuster, Elevator Service Technician

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$84,990

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Apprenticeship/Postsecondary Training

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

1-2 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Repairing, Troubleshooting, Equipment Maintenance, Equipment Selection, Operation Monitoring, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Quality Control Analysis, Complex Problem Solving, Installation

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Electricians, Automotive Master Mechanics, Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers

Material Moving Machine Operator

Operate or tend machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Material Moving Machine Operators operate excavation equipment for digging into the seafloor.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
  • Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
  • Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
  • Operate machinery to perform activities such as back-filling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Backhoe Operator, Dragline Oiler

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$44,800

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Apprenticeship/Postsecondary Training

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

0-2 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Operation and Control, Operation Monitoring, Monitoring, Active Learning, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Coordination, Critical Thinking, Equipment Maintenance, Equipment Selection

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Paving, Surfacing and Tamping Equipment Operators, Pipelayers, Highway Maintenance Workers