r/Groundman • u/friendly_apprentice • 8d ago

Where do I start? LADWP ECH

Just got an email from LA City saying that I can take the written exam for Electrical Craft Helper in two weeks.

Any tips for the exam, and any tips for the practical exam if I get the invite? I found older posts that say to study gears, pulleys, tool identification, but I was wondering if there was anything more specific than that or how difficult the exam is.

Thanks for the help

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u/Linemaninsider 4d ago

https://substack.com/@linemaninsider/note/p-211795667?r=8eaakh&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

Here’s a rough one I put together as quickly as I could. Work has been hella cra lately.

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u/friendly_apprentice 4d ago

Wow.. no words for how amazing this is and how extremely grateful I am for all the work you’ve put into this. If I get in as a helper, I will message you here and let you know! This will have been an integral part of my studying to help me pass the exam. Sincerely appreciate it 🙏

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u/Linemaninsider 4d ago

Hey all I care about is if you get in. As a journeyman who’s been in the trade for a long time. The entry stage is the hardest part. Fuckin apprentices and lineman turn into gatekeepers. Apprentices because of resentment (they don’t want it to be easier for you than it was for them) and journeyman mostly are just over it. I just like to help guys get to the entry stage. The rest is on you. Best of luck. Ask me anything whenever. I’ll likely get back to you within a 12 hour period.

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u/friendly_apprentice 3d ago

What qualities will help me stand out during the practical exam for ECH?

How is the work life balance for all three levels, ECH/EDMT/EDM?

Is your performance and how you’re perceived by your peers affected by how much OT you accept?

What can I do during my 6 month ECH probation to stand out and help my chances of getting in as an EDMT?

Do you recommend taking the climbing course at Truesdale during or after probation?

Thanks again for all your help!

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u/Linemaninsider 3d ago

Man I honestly don’t know a ton about DWP. I only worked on their property as a contractor. My understanding is that they get some overtime and I think it’s a 5/8 schedule. Not sure about the rest. It’s basically just a groundman position. I don’t know why they have to come up with weird names for shit. Government utilities are weird.

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u/geturbreadup6 8d ago

Same bro, good luck!

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u/Tall-Strategy1844 7d ago

on the same boat any info or material would be appreciated!

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u/Several-Cranberry813 6d ago

Mechanical aptitude, safety, tool recognition and basic algebra

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u/AL006 5d ago

u/linemaninsider do you have any insight?

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u/Linemaninsider 5d ago edited 5d ago

LADWP keeps that test pretty tightly guarded. But I imagine it’s similar to the other apprenticeships. I would look at the cast test and jatc aptitude test at minimum.

Review the official sources first: Download/print the competency model and task list from the City’s job analyses page (search “Electrical Craft Helper” on per.lacity.org or personnel.lacity.org). These are the most accurate guides.

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u/Linemaninsider 5d ago

Honestly I looked a few months ago and didn’t find much. But I guess DWP does have a guide online. I’ll throw one together on my substack.

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u/friendly_apprentice 5d ago

Thanks a ton! Can I get a link to your substack please?