Merchant Job Training & Safety

The Dennis Merchant Training Program

Merchant Job Training & Safety Program (MJTS) offers a comprehensive power line training program for utility personnel. The program is intended for the purpose of skill improvement or apprenticeship training.

The four-year individualized training program is written using the national format for vocational education. Each utility or statewide association has a "Training Coordinator" serving as the in-house proctor for the program. The curriculum materials are made available to each Trainee through the Training Coordinator at the time of registration.

The MJTS course consists of four workbooks with nine sections in each workbook and the study of the Lineman's & Cableman's Handbook and the APPA Safety Manual / OSHA Standards. The workbook sections contain several "units of instruction." Trainees study the materials, and then complete the "assignment sheets." They can check their work in back of the workbook. After each section is completed, the "Training Coordinator" will administer a "closed book" test. The answer sheet is then mailed or faxed to the MJTS home office where it is corrected. Individualized assistance is supplied through computer generated graphics via the fax machine when necessary. Monthly reports are sent to each utility, and their statewide representatives, showing the activity of each Trainee. This managed training is controlled by MJTS for the purpose of maintaining the integrity of the program.

MREA’s Role in Apprentice Training
Regardless of the program you use, MREA plays an important role. For example, MREA provides administrative support for both programs. This mainly consists of keeping OJT records, reporting on progress, giving and correcting quizzes, and keeping records. Regardless of the record keeping that is done at each cooperative, MREA staff meets regularly with a representative from the Minnesota State Bureau of Apprentice Training. The state representative inspects our files to determine that the programs are operating according to the rules.

Enrollment Fees
$879 per apprentice, per year
(text books – if needed – cost approximately $153.00)

Print enrollment or renewal forms.
Order required Merchant books.

For more information or to enroll apprentices contact Julie Jelen at MREA.