Mechanical Technician Training Program

If you enjoy working with mechanical equipment and keeping things maintained, so they run smoothly, then this program may be for you. It’s a two-and-a-half-year paid training program that leads to the position of a mechanical technician.

Mechanical technicians work in fossil plants or nuclear plants, where they maintain mechanical and electrical equipment. They perform preventive maintenance routines, failure analysis, and corrective maintenance tasks on equipment like valves, pumps, boilers, motor bearings, drive mechanisms, and steam turbines. They also dismantle and reassemble equipment.

The training program consists of a combination of on-the-job and classroom instruction. Because some training is conducted at a central training facility other than the selected worksite, some travel is involved. TVA covers the associated travel in accordance with its reimbursement policies and practices. The position of mechanical technician trainee requires students to be prepared for class, including homework assignments, out-of-class readings, pop quizzes, written exams, and oral exams. In addition, you will be required to exhibit the skills required to perform certain tasks through the use of qualification cards.
Upon the successful completion of training, the employee becomes a mechanical technician. The position involves shift work, overtime, call-outs, outage work and schedules, and weekend and holiday work.

Physical requirements include frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 75 pounds; standing, stooping, and kneeling, sometimes for extended periods of time on concrete floors or open grating; climbing stairs, ladders, and scaffolding; walking on uneven ground; bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, twisting, raking and shoveling; and performing work above shoulder height. The position requires an S03-respirator exam and respirator fit testing, and the ability to distinguish colors.

In addition, to be employed in a nuclear plant as a mechanical technician, employees must meet and maintain the requirements for unescorted nuclear plant access. These include successful completion of the psychological and physical exams given by TVA medical personnel; successful completion of general employee training and retraining, including the exams; completion of health physics training and passing the required exam; passing background investigations for nuclear plant access and employment suitability; and willingness to submit to a hands-on search at least 10 percent of the time.

Salary

Fossil/Nuclear

Current pay for the training program is as follows:

• Period 1: $66,685
• Period 2: $73,830
• Period 3: $80,975
• Period 4: $85,740
• Period 5: $95,265

Starting salary is $66,685 and progressively increases up to $95,265 as the trainee advances through the program. Upon successful completion of the program, the trainee moves into a Mechanical Technician role making 95,265.

Eligibility Factors

In order to be considered for this training program, a candidate must have two years of Algebra 1 or higher at the high school or college level and must meet one of the criteria below:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in mechanical engineering technology or industrial maintenance from a regionally accredited educational institution (i.e., SACS accreditation); or
• Formal mechanical craft apprenticeship; or
• Successful completion of a mechanical program from a regionally accredited vocational school (two or more years in duration); or
• Other equivalencies such as certain military training (mechanical) or completion of a certain number of college hours (which include mechanical classes); or
• Other equivalencies that are evaluated on a one-on-one basis by recruiters

Candidates who meet the qualifications for this position and who follow the process of applying may be asked to take a prequalifying test that predicts performance in training and on the job. Candidates must pass this test to be considered for an interview. Read information about the testing process.

EEO Statement

TVA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA’s equal opportunity compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment or retaliation.

Non-U.S. residents should read TVA's citizenship policy.

Individuals interested in claiming veterans’ preference should read the information for claiming veterans’ preference.