David Urias
Apprentice Meter Technician
City & Borough of Sitka
Sitka High School Graduate, 1999
1. How did you become interested in your job?
I first became interested in my job because my father was in a trade as a phone technician, which interested me. He started as an apprentice in his job, so when an apprentice meter technician position opened in Sitka, I applied. I was one of about 20 applicants.
2. What do you do on a typical day?
My typical work day consists of reading, connecting or disconnecting meters when a tenant is moving in or out of their home and installing new meters for new home/business construction. I also disconnect power when an electric bill is not paid.
3. What training or education have you had for your job?
For my apprenticeship training, I read correspondence books, took several tests and attended an annual week-long meter school in Seattle. My apprenticeship program was 4 years total.
4. What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is getting hands on training in my field, being outside and seeing all of the new houses and businesses being built around town.
5. What is the starting pay for someone in your position?
My position had a starting pay of $12.32 per hour, which steadily increased during my apprenticeship. I will receive my top pay when I become a journeyman meter technician.
6. What advice would you give a teen thinking about a similar career?
I recommend a job in a trade to any teen considering it. A trade position (similar to mine) is typically in demand and journeymen in my field are paid well. The benefit of knowing a trade is that you can take your skill almost anywhere in the country and put it use.
On-going support for Alaska Energy Careers is provided by
- committed to Alaska's next generation of workers.© 2006 Sitka Energy Project. A project of Sitka Works!
This project was funded by a grant awarded under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative,
as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration
and the State of Alaska,
Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
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