HITT Electrical Metering
Apprenticeship
Instructional Program
3 Year Apprenticeship Program (432 Training Hours)
PO Box 33577
Seattle, WA 98133
503-901-6132
Metergod@live.com
www.metergod.com
Table of Contents
I.
Our Company ................................................................................... 2
Welcome to Harris Institute of Technical Training
(HITT)
Company Background and History
II.
Training Plan .................................................................................... 3
Objective
Course Overview
Timeline of Program
Evaluations and Assessments
Location
Training Materials provided by HITT
III.
Keys to a Successful Program .......................................................... 6
Mentoring
Safety Focuses, Communication, and the Shop
Environment
Having an Expectation
Instructor Background and Qualifications
Contact Information
Our Company
Mission Statement
“We have prepared our shoulders to mentor electricity crafts professionals with strategic
knowledge through tactical skills awareness and are leading the way in developing quality
metering craftsmen/craftswomen ”
Welcome to Harris Institute of Technical Training (HITT)
Metering! It is my passion!
Brad Harris, Journeyman Meterman and Relay Tech by trade is the President and Founder of HITT.
It was his growing concern regarding the need for quality training of electrical metering apprentices and
other electrical craft personnel that motivated him to seek a better way to provide consistency in the field
of meter training. Frustrated by the shift in meter apprentice training attitudes, Brad has designed a
training program which provides the electricity concepts and principles of not only the necessary tactical
skills for becoming a thoroughly skilled meterman, but also the tools for development of strategic
knowledge, including “Having an Expectation”. The push button mentality in training metermen today is
rather like giving a 1st grader a calculator. The problem can be entered into a ‘tool’, but is the formula
understood? Is the answer correct? How do you know? What was (were) your “expectation(s)”?
The heartfelt desire to see each apprentice achieve journeyman status along with the life skills needed to
become successful both personally and professionally is what fuels Brad’s commitment to providing strong
shoulders for all those whom he is going before.
Brad’s concern for personal safety is apparent at all times and is a core value of HITT. It is this value that is
part of the selection process we use in determining which journeymen metermen would make excellent
instructors and leaders who understand the need for, and value of, a comprehensive training program.
Journeymen who honor, respect, value, and have a passion for their craft. Each instructor’s personal
commitment and strategic knowledge enable them to teach from the field perspective of knowing the work
first hand and the atmosphere in which it is performed, as it applies to all aspects of the craft, including
working safely and confidently.
Company Background and History
After a large-scale downsizing event in 2006, Brad got his business license and opened the doors to HITT.
He began by working on a new style of meter reference books that are detailed and more comprehensive,
including the use of color for a visual understanding. He and his wife, Michele, combined their severance
packages and retirements to build a company that would provide a focus on meter training and also serve
as a leader in the renaissance of restoring respect to the metering craft. Together, they worked to develop
“missing” pieces of training by visiting meter schools across the country and speaking to the various
metering and line employees of utilities around the nation. Their travels have taken them from shore to
shore and across the Pacific Ocean. Their books have gone even further, to Canada, Belize, and the Virgin
Islands.
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Training Plan
Objective
The objective of this training program is to provide instructional electricity metering training for utility
sponsored and approved electricity metering apprentices and trainees. Our training program, outlined
below, will provide a strong foundation for metering knowledge.
Course Overview
Course format and topics:
HITT’s Apprenticeship Program is based upon the requirements and standards of the IBEW and JATC in
Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Colorado for Electricity Metering Apprenticeship Programs. There are 432
instructional hours needed to meet these Apprenticeship standards. We use two different formats for
delivering this training:
1. Traditional Classroom style of twelve (12) face to face week-long (5 day) sessions divided into
four (4) quarters and then delivered annually over a continuous period of three (3) years.
2. Weekly Webinar Program is a 3 year course consisting of 3 Terms per year (36 weekly
webinars) meeting one night per week (either 4-8pm or 3-7pm PST) for a total of 432 instructional
hours. There are 2 mandatory and 3 recommended travel portions associated with this program:
a. FirstWeekTM Seattle, WA. This is a crucial piece to the success of web groups.
b. A 3-Day Exit Exam and certification upon course completion.
c. NW Meter School is recommended for this group, to network with the other
participants of the course and continue building a bond among group participants.
HITT’s program core is based upon the values of a true metering craftsperson with the capacity for
understanding all portions and functions of electricity metering. Values which are necessary to build the
skills for trouble-shooting electricity metering issues and/or concerns, while developing a conscientious
safety focused metering professional who has a well round and fully developed set of expectations for
resourcing resolutions to resolve metering errors and installations.
HITT’s approach includes situational discussions in which all Apprentices are encouraged to
participate and share their learning experiences both in the field and shop. We use these discussions as a
format for building strategic knowledge through their tactical awareness.
A) Course Topics:
1) Vocabulary and Definitions included for all training subjects listed
2) Electric Meter Safety - Parts 1-5
3) Electricity Training - Sections I-V
4) Self-Contained Single Phase Metering Characteristics - Sections 1 and 2
5) Mathematics for Electricity Metering - I-VII
6) Vector Training for Electricity Metering - Parts 1-10
7) Single Phase Power Transformer Theory and Connections - I and II
8) Demand Metering - Parts 1-4
9) Field Test Instruments and Equipment - Sections 1-4
10) Instrument Rated Single Phase Metering Characteristics - Sections 1 and 2
11) Instrument Transformers - I-IV
12) Self-Contained Three Phase Metering Characteristics - Sections 1 and 2
13) Application of Single Phase AMI Metering Characteristics
14) Self-Contained and Instrument Rated Metering Commonalities
15) Three Phase Power Transformer Theory and Connections - I-IV
16) Pulse Metering - Parts 1-3
17) Application of Three Phase AMI Metering Characteristics
18) Instrument Rated Three Phase Metering Characteristics - Sections 1 and 2
19) Reactive Metering Characteristics - Sections 1 and 2
20) High Voltage Metering - Parts 1 and 2
21) Metering Telemetry - Sections 1 and 2
22) Totalizing Metering
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Timeline of Program
1st Year
Week 1 - Self-Contained Single Phase Metering (Pt 1) – Electricity Meter Safety I; Definitions and
Vocabulary I; Electricity I; Electricity Metering Characteristics I; Mathematics for Electricity Metering I; and
Basic Magnetism.
Week 2 - Self-Contained Single Phase Metering (Pt 2) – Single Phase Power Transformers I; Demand
Metering I; Customer Relations I; Field Test Instruments and Equipment I; Revenue Protection I; Rates,
Tariffs and Policies I, Safe Procedures for Installing and Removing Meters.
Week 3 - Instrument Rated Single Phase Metering (Pt 1) – Six Month Check Point (progress exam); Meter
Safety II; Definitions and Vocabulary II; Electricity II; Electricity Meter Characteristics II; Instrument
Transformers I
Week 4 - Instrument Rated Single Phase Metering (Pt 2) – Meter Safety III; Mathematics for Electricity
Metering II; Single Phase Power Transformers II; Demand Metering II; Rates, Tariffs and Policies II; Field
Test Instruments and Equipment II.
2nd Year
Week 1 - Self-Contained Three Phase Metering (Pt 1) – Twelve Month Check Point; Meter Safety IV;
Electricity III; Application of Single Phase AMI Metering Characteristics; Self-Contained and Instrument
Rated Metering Commonalities; Three Phase Power Transformer Connections I
Week 2 - Self-Contained Three Phase Metering (Pt 2) – Meter Safety V; Mathematics for Electricity Metering
III; Pulse Metering I; Meter Vocabulary and Definitions III; Customer Relations II; Demand Metering II;
Revenue Protection II; Field Test Instrument & Equipment III; Rates, Tariffs and Policies III.
Week 3 - Instrument Rated Three Phase Metering (Pt 1) – Eighteen Month Check Point; Meter Safety VI;
Electricity IV; Mathematics for Electricity Metering IV.
Week 4 - Instrument Rated Three Phase Metering (Pt 2) – Electricity Meter Characteristics IV; Pulse
Metering II; Three Phase Power Transformer Connections II; Demand Metering IV; Application of Three
Phase AMI Metering Characteristics; Instrument Transformers II; Rates, Tariffs and Policies IV; Reactive
Metering I; Meter Communications I; High Voltage Metering I.
3rd Year
Week 1 - Reactive Metering (Pt 1) – Twenty-four Month Check Point; Meter Safety VII; Electricity V;
Electricity Meter Characteristics V; Mathematics for Electricity V
Week 2 - Reactive Metering (Pt 2) – Three Phase Power Transformer Connections III; Reactive Metering II;
High Voltage Metering II; High End Metering I; Totalizing Metering I; Meter Communications II.
Week 3 - High Voltage Metering (Pt 1) - Thirty Month Check Point; Field Metering Safety Review I;
Electricity Review I; Customer Relations Review I; Electricity Meter Characteristics Review I; Mathematics
for Electricity Review I; Demand Metering Review; Pulse Metering Review I; Power Transformer
Connections Review I.
Week 4 - High Voltage Metering (Pt 2) –Field Metering Safety Review II; Electricity Review II; Mathematics
for Electricity Review II; Pulse Metering Review II; Electricity Meter Characteristics Review II; Power
Transformer Connections Review II; Field Test Equipment Review; Rates, Tariffs and Policies Review;
Instrument Transformers Review; Reactive Metering Review; High Voltage Metering Review; Meter
Communications Review; High End Metering Review; Totalizing Metering Review.
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Evaluations and Assessments
Assessments and Check Point exams will be administered by HITT for the Traditional Program and by the
sponsoring utility’s mentor/journeyman for the Webinar participants, and then sent back to HITT for review
and correction. HITT will provide the sponsoring utility with updates on assessments & check point exams
for each participant.
Assessments – measure the strengths and weaknesses of each student and are scored as a pass/no pass
with a 70% (or better) accuracy rate required on all assessments to qualify as an HITT certified metering
professional. *The only exception is the 1st assessment which is used to measure the skills and aptitude of
the apprentice and provide expectations of program’s ____ going forward.
These assessments help to guide the course and identify areas where additional instructional support is
needed (the apprentice’s mentor or journeyman will be notified). Because each group’s dynamic is based
upon individual experiences and knowledge, it is a determinate in the training, which may need to be
adjusted to meet the needs of the group as whole. The goal is to have fully trained Journeymen with a
“know what to expect” mentality who are ready to perform.
Progress Exams –
There are Five (5) check point exams for reviewing subjects and examples related to classroom instruction:





Single Phase Self-Contained Metering
Single Phase Instrument Rated Metering
Three Phase Self-Contained Metering
Three Phase Instrument Rated Metering
High Voltage Metering and Full Course Review
These exams are not designed to remove an apprentice from the training program specifically, as they are
a valuable measurement of the apprentices’ progress. Progress Exams are significant in the development of
an apprentice’s skills and to their mentors and in-class instructor(s). They are not designed to be used as a
disciplinary resource, but rather a reference to be combined with related factors to determining the overall
progress in field and on-the-job performance of the participant, as well as meeting company specific
requirements for defined apprenticeship standards.
Location
All training for the Traditional Group and the two (2) required sessions of the Webinar Group will be held in
Seattle, WA. (Location TBA)
Training Materials provided by HITT
Books*, Workbooks, and Materials (for each participant) include:
 Meterman’s Bible – Set of three books: Single Phase, Three Phase and Three Phase Primary
 Workbooks and worksheets related to each topic/subject presented
 Meter Voltage Reference Guide
 Specialty Metering Diagrams Reference Manual
 Distribution Transformer Connections Training Manual and Field Guide
 Metering Diagrams - Proofs and Truths Explained
 Calculators, protractors, and other items that assist with instruction. We supply these items so that
all apprentices are using the same “tools” and not taking away from class time to teach each one
individually on how their “tool” is used, as it distracts from the learning moment.
[*The Edison Institute’s “Handbook for Electricity Metering” is not included, but should be obtained for the
apprentice, as it is a valued addition to the history and strength of metering knowledge.]
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Program Dates
Week #
Dates
Location
Year One - 2015
1
30-Mar
3-Apr
Seattle
MSEMA*
4-May
8-May
Gatlinburg, TN
2
8-Jun
12-Jun
Seattle
NWMS*
24-Aug
28-Aug
Seattle
3
14-Sep
18-Sep
Seattle
4
14-Dec
18-Dec
Seattle
Year Two - 2016
5
7-Mar
11-Mar
Seattle
MSEMA*
2-May
6-May
Franklin, TN
6
13-Jun
17-Jun
Seattle
NWMS*
August
August
Seattle
7
19-Sep
23-Sep
Seattle
8
5-Dec
9-Dec
Seattle
Year Three - 2017
9
6-Mar
10-Mar
Seattle
MSEMA*
May
May
TBD
10
12-Jun
16-Jun
Seattle
NWMS*
August
August
Seattle
11
11-Sep
15-Sep
Seattle
12
11-Dec
15-Dec
Seattle
*NWMS – Select upon Registration
*MSEMA – Select upon Registration
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Program Costs
Cost Breakdown for Hours and Materials per Apprentice
Costs
Totals
432 Instructional Hours
$16,500
Books, Workbooks, and Training Materials
$1,600
Two Meter School Sessions*
$700
*Cost does not include Travel, Accommodations, or Meals
Total Program Costs
$18,800
Payment Options:
Total Program Paid in full up front - All Apprenticeship Programs
Program paid annually at Fall Term (3 equal installments of $6,225)
20-Month Intensive paid annually (2 equal installments of $9,420)
$18,275
$18,675
$18,480
Costs for 3 year program paid per Term or Weekly Session (includes admin fees)
Per Term
Per Week
TRAINING PROPOSAL – CONFIDENTIAL – FOR USE ONLY BY CLIENT & HITT - FEBRUARY 2015
$2,125
$1,600
$19,125
$19,200
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Keys to a Successful Program
Mentoring
“You just don’t know, what you don’t know” and that’s why a Mentor is necessary for an apprentice to be
successful. It is not just the application of learned tactical awareness, but the experience of applying those
tactics that garners the need for mentoring guidance and developing strategic knowledge.
A successful Mentor allows the apprentice to put their skills to the test under their watchful eye. Keen to
safety awareness and potential hazards that only their own experiences and strategic knowledge have
provided them with. A great Mentor leads the apprentice with enough freedom to experience the work and
yet be aware of potential dangers and possibly unsafe conditions.
Building Mentoring among peers: It has been our experience that by keeping the group size at a minimum
of 5 and maximum of 15 attendees, helps to develop and enrich each participant. Peers tend to be more
open when the “competition” of scoring is removed from assessments and the “playing field” is leveled. We
have seen incredible healing occur in meter shops due to this style of training. We’re all on the same team,
honor your individual strengths and help each other to build up areas of weakness.
Safety Focuses, Communication, and the Shop Environment
First and foremost in our training, we emphasize that Safety begins with the individual. No one is more
responsible for your safety than you are. We strive to impart the wisdom that “it’s your life and livelihood
that are at risk” whether you are driving to the store or working on 480V hot-work, you are ultimately the
one responsible for choosing to Be Safe All Ways and that includes being fully present. The term Be Safe All
Ways comes from the desire to encourage safety in all ways, not just always.
Individuality. Learning styles. Personal experiences. Diversity. These are all things that go into
communication. Understanding that reality is based upon each person’s perspective. The need for effective
communication begins with having a “common ground” of understanding. Knowing what the processes are
for the work to be done, having expectations for the various types of metering to be installed, and the
ability to work as a team are key to developing a strong foundation in a meter shop and amongst the
electrical crafts people who are part of it.
We introduce and explain “Ground Truth and Official Truth”, both of which have their place, but if a meter
shop is to be healthy and maintain a safe working environment, then the metering professionals must be
afforded the safety for Ground Truth discussions amongst peers and with supervisors. This is not a place
for those with a need to feed their Ego or to ‘show off’ their skills, but rather a place for being safe and
having a sense of respect for their craft.
Having an Expectation
The one key feature that sets a metering professional apart is their ability to trouble-shoot a situation. In
performing their work, it is necessary to have a skill set that allows the Journeyman (and Apprentice) to
have an expectation. To understand the why’s and how’s of metering and electricity. How will you be able
to identify a problem or even know what to look for if you don’t have an expectation for the situation?
“Have an expectation” is a term used in our training and participants will hear this often throughout their
training when it is applicable.
TRAINING PROPOSAL – CONFIDENTIAL – FOR USE ONLY BY CLIENT & HITT - FEBRUARY 2015
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Instructor Background and Qualifications
Brad has been teaching electrical concepts and theories for 20+ years. He started out reading meters in
1975 and then two years later became a Night Collector. In 1981 he began his metering apprenticeship and
began teaching apprentices in 1984. From there he moved into relay training and became a technician.
Brad’s combined relay tech and metering experience enhance his skills and knowledge for teaching
metering to Apprentices, Journeymen, Managers and Customer Service Reps, as well as instructing his own
peers.
A) Employment history:
1) PacifiCorp – Trainer, Meterman, Relay Tech., Warehouse, Collector, and Meter Reading (32 years)
2) HITT – Owner, Founder, and President (since 2007)
3) Seattle City Light – Apprenticeship Office and Metering (2 years)
4) South Seattle Comm. Coll. – Night School Instructor – Metering Apprenticeship Program (2 years)
B) Brad has provided various trainings for the following REA’s, Coop’s, and Investor Owned Utilities:
1) PacifiCorp (Portland, OR)
2) Tillamook PUD (Tillamook, OR)
3) Idaho Falls Power (Idaho Falls, ID)
4) APEX (Burlington, VT)
5) Consumer’s Power (Albany, OR)
6) Eugene Water & Electric Board (Eugene, OR)
7) Portland General Electric (Portland, OR)
8) Seattle City Light (Seattle, WA)
9) City Utilities (Springfield, MO)
10) Maui Electric Company (Maui, HI)
11) Yakama Power (Yakama Nation, WA)
12) Oregon Trail Electric Coop (Baker City, OR)
13) Empire Electric Association, REC (Cortez, CO)
C) Brad has trained various classes at the following Meter Schools:
1) *Mid-South Electric Meter School (MSEMA) Tennessee (5 yrs)
2) *North Carolina Meter School (NCMS) Myrtle Beach, NC (2 yrs)
3) Southwest Electric Meter Association (TEEX-SWEMA) Bryan, TX (2 yrs)
4) *Northwest Meter School (NWMS) Seattle, WA (20 yrs)
5) *Arkansas Electric Meter School – Fayetteville, AR (3 yrs)
6) EUSERC – Sacramento, CA (2 yrs)
*Key-note speaker and opening presenter.
D) Brad delivered his “Titanic: KEEPERS of the CRAFT” Safety Presentation at an opening safety session of
the 2010 International Lineman’s Rodeo.
E) Brad assisted with the design, development and building of training centers at two PacifiCorp locations:
Wilsonville, OR and Salt Lake City, UT. Brad recently completed a project with Seattle City Light,
Centralia Community College and the Pacific NW Center of Excellence to develop a hands on AMI lab
and training facility open to all metering personnel.
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Contact Information
Harris Institute of Technical Training
Brad and Michele Harris
PO Box 33577
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: (503) 901-6123
E-Mail: Metergod@live.com
Website: www.metergod.com
Social Media Connectivity
Facebook: Harris Institute of Technical Training
LinkedIN: Bradley W. Harris
Twitter: @MetergodHarris
YouTube: HITT Metergod
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT
This training proposal and any documents accompanying it may contain confidential information that
may be legally privileged and protected by federal and state law. This information is intended for use
only between CLIENT and Harris Institute of Technical Training. The authorized recipient(s) are
obligated to maintain the information in a safe, secure, and confidential manner.
The authorized recipient(s) are prohibited from using this information for purposes other than intended,
prohibited from disclosing this information to any other party unless required to do so by law or
regulation, and is required to destroy the information after its stated need has been fulfilled.
If you are in possession of this or any portion of this document, and are not the intended recipient, you
are hereby notified that any improper disclosure, copying, or distribution of the contents of this
information is strictly prohibited.
Please notify the owner of this information immediately and arrange for its return or destruction.
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