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document is one an a series of forty-one , reprinto frpa tireOccupational Outlook 'Handbook providing mu. ant infor 'nation andemploy mart, pro jections fctr in4di widuabl =calla -done and ,industri esthrough 1%.85 ghee specific occupations cowered in this documere tinclud a occu pations' to the electriF power industry, power p/ an ttworkers, trams Mission. and distributi_orm oocnpations, customer serviceoccupations, and occumpati on s in the tele phone 1-sins tr (telephonecrafts occupations ,,, cea tr al 0 ftice equip Jett instaLlers, lineinstallers, cable apLicers, telephone and TB 7f Lntstallers/rep airersand te laphon e operatorsi. The following in formation in presented foreach occup at on or occu. pa -tional area.: a code number referenced to theDictionary of Occupat lona I °Titles; a. dies cr ip-tiOn Of nature of thework; places of emplofmen training, otter .4gualLfi.dations, an dpavancenent; employment ovitlook ; earnings an wi working conditio ils1 andsources cf additional inf4raaticn. r n addition to t he forty- onereprints covering indliv ideal occupations ox Cidcupat lomi 1 areas (CE017 7-57-197) , a cow* ni on document ( Ca 0 17 756) pre sents employmentprojections. for the.t of al labor maricet aond disgnsses, the relationsbipbetween job Prospects nd education. (EN).

Public 0t ilit pat ionOccupational uatlook Earadhoo k, '1

!ureau of ,L.abior Statisti-cs D01).Eu11-1955-2,3

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ElecCricil Occnpa-tions; El ec qicialms ;_ Electronics:*Esplo'yient OTpcztunni'Cie * Eaylcymen t Projections*E Native nt Q ; Eirloymen -t T ends;

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OccupatiOna. 1 Mobility; Pro.noticil -uPationaL) ;Pu/61Lc ke lations; Salaries ; lelecommtt tiortispn:*Telephon e Co sounicattou s in du try; T elipbormeCommumnicatt on S Istems *Ut i1 ities; Vales; VbritEnvironme nt

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OCCUPATIELECTRIC POW

'city has become so rnuctar daily lives that mosit for granted. But just irnagLeg able to ride the ilevaeit

pertinent and instead havingp all those flights of stairs.

nk about having no lights, tele-vision Set, or radio in your horne. To-day, iftwould,be difficult to get usedti;, living without electricity`.

Bringing electricity into our homesand places of work and recreation isnot as simple as just turnipg on aswitch. There are thousands of em-ployees working in the electric powerindustry to make all this possible.

Niikure attel Location hIndustry

Thedelivery of electricity to usersthe instant they need it is the

unique feature of the electric powersystems. Electricity cannot be storedefficiently-but must be used as it is-

produced. because a customer canbegin or increase the use of electricpower at any time by merely flickinga switch, an electric utility systemmust have sufficient capacity to meetpeak consumer needs'. at -any time.

An electric utility system includespowerplants thaj generate eleetri,power, substatiOns that increase ordecrease the voltage of the power,and vast networks of transmissionand distribution lines. Electric utili-ties range from large systems servingbroad regional areas to small powercompanies serving individual cornrnunities. Most electric ut'llities a einvestor-owned Aprivate) sr own dby cooperatives; others are cinined bycities, counties, and peblioutility 's-trict*, as well as by the Federal ov-ernment. Whilesorne utilities g ner-ate, transmit, and distribute cin yelectricity, others distribute/ botelectricity an gas. This Ilia ter isconcerned with ploYrnent elatirigonlF to the prod tion and istribu-lion of electric power.

Producing end distrCbutig largequantities of electrical e orgy in-volves many processes and ctivities.The accompanying chart s ows howelectric criergy.is generated, and how

2

NS IN THEER INDUSTRY

travels from the generating stationto the users.

The first step in providing electri-cal energy occurs in a generating Station or plant, where huge generateconvert mechanical energy into elec-tricity. Electricity it produced/Pri-marily in steam-powered genet-atlas,plants that use coal, gas, oil, or nucle-ar energy for fuel. In addition, a con-iiderable amount ofeleciduced in hydroeiectri

_stations`that use watercrate the turbines. St" I

ity is pro-ne ratinget to op-t gener-

atbrs, primarily for/use in standbyrvice or in, provide electricity for

pecial purposes, arc powered by die-sel engines or gin turbines.

After elect ity is generated, itpasses thre h a "switchyard,where the vo ge is increased so thatthe electric ty may travel long dis-tances without excessive loss of pow-er. Next the electricity passes ontotransmission lines that carry it fromthe generating' plant to subitations,where the voltage is decreased andpassed on td the distribution net-works serving individual customers.Transmission lines tie together thegenerating stations of a single systemand also the power facilities of sever-e systems. In this way, power can be

d among several utilitymeet varying demands.

6, 544,000 people workedctric.power industry. Most

, 461,000, worked in investord Utilities and cooperatives sun

worked in Federal and mu--nicipal government utilities. A fevlarge manufacturing establistunentt.which produce electric power fortheir own use, alsol'ernploy electric

over workers.Since electricity. reaches almost

every locality; jobs in this industryare found throughout the country.Although _hydroelectric power proj-ects have created jobs in relativelyisolated areas, niost utility jobs stiltare found in heavily populated urbanareas.

Electric Utility Occupations. Mandifferent types of workers srts

quired in the electric power hidAbout '40 percent of the hidemployees work in occupaticed to the generation. trapand distribution of electriccustomer service oc

iasion,and in

stapes.(Theke occupations are Ussed indetail later in this ch The irerduary-nito employs I ge numbers ofworkers in engine gadministrative, andmaintenance oc ations. A -briefdiscussion on ese OCgiJen below. F er inforination can

How oliteliteity and brought to the mars

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d ire statements coveringI occupations elsewhere ,in the

g and Scientific Occupu-ineers plan generating

plant construction and additions, in.terconnections of complex powersystems. and installations of newtra.pronission and distribution systemsand equipment. They supervise con-struction. develop improved operat-ing methods, and test the efficiencyof the irony types of electrical equip-meat- In Planning modern power sys-tems, engineers help select plantsites,types of fuel, and types of plants. Ev-gineers also help industrial and com-mercial customers make the best useof electric power. For example, they

may demonstrate how to modernizea chemical manufacturing plant orhow to remodel a store or hotel, Art-getting changes that would use elec-tricity more effectively.

Administrative and Clerical Occolions. Because of the enOrinOaaamount of recordkeeping required,electric utilities employ many adMin-istrative and clerical personnel.Large numbers of stenographers,typists. bookkeepers, office machineoperators, file clerks, accounting andauditing clerks, and cashiers are ern.ployed. These workers keep' recordsof the services rendered by the corn-pony. make up bills for customers,and prepare a variety of statementsand statistical reports. An increasing

the largercowed by Cala-

past* "lids generally results ib tOOrISclerical work being done either byfooter or the %Mt hustlher of esptYploye s. 1116 use of thi equiprillent400 creates a need for frOgraelllerfand computer operators. Adnrinistra-tive employees *chide scow/gawkpersonnel officers, purchasingagents. and lawyers.

ilairti once OccUpari©itr. A colloid..treble atunber of workers test, Main-tain, ond repair equipment. The du..ties of thole skilled craft workers resirriiisr to those of rhaintenaltce"4/01rkOra in Other indllibiet, It itstketessiry t© replaces switch ortriensforrner. for crumple, or a/ weaksection in a boiler may have to berePsired. Among the more importantskilled workers are electricsnos, in-strument repairers. industrialchinerY repairers, roachinisto,pipefit..tens, welders, and boilermakers.

SInplesyrnent Clutloolt

employment in the electric powerindustry is expected to increaseabout st fast as the average for allindustries through theThe greater use of electric power inn4tatrial processes, growth of cons-

istl centers such as shoppingmalls, and population growth all willcontribute to art increased demandfor electricity. However, due to thegrowing use of Otahatie c00110121,eillrIOYOUnt will no ittereas4 as fatsSi electric power priNinction-

Trends in growth Will differ frontone% Occupation to mother in theindustry. The need fel' scientific, en-gincering, and technical employees isexpected to increase sharply as con-struction of power generating plantsincreases and as research into devel-oping more efficient energy usage tocombat shortages and higher prices

fossil fuels becomes ;necessary.Much of this increase in eniplOYntentwill be in the develnPinent and con-otructign of Ile* nuclear power facili-ties.

to ninny other occupations in thisindustry, only slight increases in enr-ployinent are expected. Larger. moreefficient powerplants will limitgrowth of einploytnent of pow 'ant

estiployeel. Theelectronic datamerit for billing

restriet gr©1jobs, in act upattrode litae Oropenings will resreplace. workersleave.theeleetriother reasons.

People hiresil by 'electric powercosnpanies are likely to have relative-ly, secure jobs: iErven during down-turns in the economy, these compa-nies seldom lay Off employees

as d use ofsing equip-

dkeepingme clericalwill raped-

most jobthe need to

die, retire, orr industry for

Earrings and Workine 0 in 4 iti isa

Earnings in the electric utility in-dustry art relatively high. In 1-976,

risupervitory employees in privateelectric power companies averaged56.60 an hour...ily comparison, theaverage for all nonsupervisory work-ers in private industry, ,except farm-lingIng was $4.87 an hour.

Because supplying electricity is a24-lhour, 7-day-a-week activity, someemployees work evenings, nights,and weekends, Lineally on rotatingshifts_ Most union contracts withelectric utilities provide a higher rateof pay for evening and nightworkthan the basic day rate.

Overtirrlework often is required,espebially during emergencies suchas floods, hurricanes, or storms. Dur-ing an -emergency callout," which isa short- notice request to report forwork duiing nonscheduled hours, theworker generally Is guaranteed aminimum ot 3 or 4 hours' pay at1 l/2 times the basic hourly rate_

Travel time to and from the job iscounted as svorIctirne,

in addition to these provisions thataffect pay, electric utilities provideother employee benefits_ Generally,annual vacations are granted toworkers accooling to length of set-

'vice. A typical conflict or employeebenefit program provides for a 1-week vacation for 6 months to 1 yearof 'service, 2 weeks for I to 10 years,W43 weeks for 10 to 20 years, Somecrintiacts and programs provide for 4weeks after 18 years, 5 weeks after,25 years, and 6 weeks after 30 years.The number or paid holidays rangesfrorna 6 to 12 a year. Nearly all corn-

panics have,benefit plans- for theiremployees. -A typical program. pro-vides life, hospitalization, and surgi-cal insorsiOce and paid sick leave. te-tirement pension planS suppl MentFederal social security payrne andgenerally are paid for in full or ii partby the employer.

Because of the dangers of electro-cution and other- hazards, electric,,utilities and unions have made inten-sive efforts to enforce safe workingpractices. This has resulted in an in-Ia', rate lowef than in most manu-facturing industries. However, someoccupations% especially those on line-crews, are more subject to accidentsthan others.. /

Many nonsupervisory electric util-ity w'orkeni in production, transmis-sion, and distribution departmentsare union members. The bargainingrepresentative for- 'most 'of, theseworkers is either' the InternationalBrotherhodcl of Electrical Workersor the Utility Workers Union ofAmerica, Independent unions repre-sent some utility workers.

Sources of Addition:Infonmatfron--

Inforffiation about jobs in the elec-tric power industry-is available from-local electric utility companies, fromindustry trade associations, or from-the local offices of unions that repre-sent electric utility wcirkers. Addi--tional information also may be ob-tained from:Edison Electric Inoitute, 90 Past Ave., New

York, N,Y. 10016.

International Brotherhood of Electrical work.ors. 1 125 15th St. NW., Washington. D.C.20005.

Utility Workers' Union of America; 815 16thSt, NW.,_Washington, D.C. 20006.

POWERPLANTOCCUPATIONS

Nature of the Work

Powerplants employ many differ-ent types of workers to produce elec-tricity. All equip_Ment in the plantsmust be kept in good running order;thus the machinery must be regularly

cleaned arid serviced, and all opera-,tions -careftilly checked And con-trolled. Maintenance personal, in-chiding electrical, instrument, andmechanical repairers, inspect and re-pair thiaequipment_ For example, aninstrument repairer may notice that agauge connected to a turbine doesnot register properly. The repairermay disassemble the gauge, locatethe specific problem, and replace a.part if necessit.

Other powerplant workers includehelpers and cleaners, and the custo-dial staff, including janitors and ,

guards. In steam genera ting plantsusing coal for fuel, coal handlers alsoare employed. In hydroelectricplants; gate tenders open and closethe heasigrites that control the flow ofwater to -tilrbines. Supervision ofpowerplaat operations is handled bychief engineeri called operations su-pervisors, and by their iassistants.watch engineers (also called shift su-pervisors).

Operators are the key workers in apowerplant. They include four basicclasaes of workeisswitchboard.boiler, turbine, and auxiliary equip-ment operators. Their _job is to ob-vrve and regulate the vinous kindsof powerplant equipment, keep rec-ords of all operations to make certainthat equipment functions efficiently,and to detect any trouble that mayarise. In this way, operators ensurethat power production will not be in-,tempted. '

Switchboard operators (D.O.T952.782) control the amount of elec-tric power flowing from generators tooutgoing powerlints by watching in-strUment panels and by operatingswitchboards. Switches control themovement of elearic currAntthrough the generating station cir-cuits and 'onto the transmission lines.Instruments mounted on panelboardsshow the power demand on the sta-tion at any instant, the powerload oneach tine leaving the station, theamount of current being produced-byeach generator, and the voltage.

The operator use switches to dis-tribute the power demands amongthe generators, to combine the cur-rent from two or more generators,and to regulate the flow ofahe elec..

ous powcrlines ac-Cording -td the changing neer* ofconsumers, When power require-ments change they order generators!tamed tat sto reed arid,,at the proper

. erne. connect them to the power cir-volts in the station or disconnectthem. In do frig this, they follow tele-phone orden from the load dispatch-er who 'directs the flow of currentthroughout the system.

Switchtasard operators and theirassistants, also check their instns-meats frequently to see that e,lectric-y moving through and out of the

powerplant properly, and that cor-rect vo taiga, is being maintained.Among, heir other duties, they keeprecorda of all switching operationsand of load condjtions on generators,lines, and transformers. They obtainthis information by making regularmeter readings.

Boller operators' (D.O.T.950.782)employed only in steam-powered generating plantsare re-sponsible for maintaining the properstern pressure needed to turn theu nes. They note and regulate the

fuel, air, and water supply used in theboilers using control valves, meters,and other instruments which aremounted on panel boards. The size ofthe generating unit determines thenumber of boilers used; thus a boileroperator may be responsible for 'op-erating one or several boilers.

Turbine operators (D.O.T.952.118) control the turbines thatdrive the generators. In small plants,they also may operate auxiliaryequipment or a switchboard. Sincemodern steam turbines and gener-ators operate at extremely high

pressures, and temperatures,the operator must give close atten-tion to the pressure gauges, ther-mometers, and other instrumentsshowing the operations of the turbo-generator unit. Turbine operatorsrecord the information shown bythese instruments and check the oilpressure at bearings, the speed of theturbines, and the circulation andamount of cooling water in the con-densers that change the steam ,backinto water. They also are responsiblefor starting and shutting down theturbines and generators, as directed'

by the awitchboaid operator in thecontrol rOom. Other workers, such ashelpers and junior operator, =antthe turbine operators.

Auxiliary equipment operators(D.O.T. 952.782) check and recordthe readings of instruments that indi-cate the operating condition ofpumps, fans, blowers! condensers,evaporators, water conditioners,compressors, and coal pulverizers.

be operation of alai machineryi rectly related to the proper func-

ing of boilers and turbines. Forple, after steam goes through

turbines, it enters the condensers.Here the steam becomes water. Thisoperation of the condensers providessome of the force that drives the tur-bines. Since auxiliary equipment mayoccasionally break down, these op-erators must be able to detect troublequickly, and sometimes make minorrepairs. In small pleats which do notemploy auxiliary equipment opera-tors, these duties are performed byturbine operators.

In most powerplants constructedin recent yearsincluding nuclearthe operation of boilers, turbines,auxiliary equipment, and the switch-ing required for balancing generator

has been centralized in a sin -gle rntrol room. From here, centralcontrol room operators (D.O.T.950.782) or powerplant operatorsregulate all tVe generating equip-ment, which inkin older plants requires

specialists such as boiler and turbineoperators. Control room operatorshave several assistants who patrol theplant and cheek the equipment.When equipment is not operatingproperly, operators report probkrnsto the plant superintendent or awatch engineer.

Watch engineers or shift supervi-sors (D.O.T, 950.131) oversee theworkers in the powerplant who °per-sae and maiatain the boilers, tur-bines, generators, transformers,sviitchboatda, and other machineryand equipment. Watch engineers aresupervised by a chief engineer or aplant superintendent who is in Chargeof the entire plant. In small pleat's.tie watch engineer also may be thegerneral plain supervisor.

Generally, a nuclear-poweredplant requires about the same kindand number of employees as a steam-_generating, plant powered by coal.However, nuclear plants employ afew additional employees such ashealth and safety specialists,

Training, Other Qualification*.and Advancement

New powerplant workers generallybegin at the bottom of the ladderusually on cleanup jobs. Such workgives haginnera an opportunity to be-come firniliar with the equipment

'and the operations of a powerplant.They advance to the more respon-sible job of helper as openings occur.

Operators cheek *dingo of lenrunt

ppreaticeships hs thetas jobson. Applicants generallyto have a high aebool orhool education

I to 3 yi to _

as an auxiliary equip-rator and from 4 to S yearse a boiler operator, turbineor switchboard operator. A

I person learning to be an auxiliaryequipmentzterator progresses fromhelper to junior operator to op_erator.A boiler operator generally spendsfrom 2 to 6 months as a laborer be-fore being promoted to ate job' ofhelper. Depending on openings andthe worker's aptitude, the helpermay&damage junioe boiler operator ineventuall to boiler operator,transfer the mainterance depart-ment and work up to boiler repairer.Turbine operstors advance iron, theranks of auxiliary equipment opera-tors. * '

Where a utility system has a num-ber of generating plants of differentsize, operators usually first get expe-rience in the smaller stations andthen are promoted to jobs in the larg-er stations as vacancies occur. Thus,how rapidly a worker advanoes alsomay depend on the availability ofopenings. If these are few, it maytake longer to obtain a particular jobthan just to learn it. ,

In many States -and large cities.employees who operate equipment inpowerplants must be.licensed by lo-cal or State agencies. While licensingrequirements often vary from placeto place, the National Institute forthe Uniform Licensing of Power En-giorerii (NIULPE) is attempting tostandardize these requirements.

Some powerplant_ workers em-ployed in atomic-powered electricplants must have special training towork with nuclear fuel, in addition tothe knowledge and skills required forconventional steam generated elec-tric power. All control room opera-tors, assistant control room opera-tors, and some operators of highpressure auxiliary equipment in nu-clear powerplants must be licensedby the Nuclear Regulatory Commis.sion.

New workers in the switchboardoperators section begin as helpers,

6

advance to junior operators, andthen to switchboard operators. Someutility companies promote substationoperators to switchboard operatjngjobs. The duties of both classes ofoperators have much in common.Switchboard operators- can advanceto work in the load dispatc'her's of

Watch engineers are selected fromamong experieaied powerplant op.erators. At least 5 to 10 years of ex-perience as a first-class operator usu-eally are reqnifsed to qualify for awatch engineer's job.

Employment Outlook

Employment of powerplant opera-tors is expected to increase moreslowly than the average, for all occu-pations through the mid-1980's, eventhough the production of electricalenergy will increase at a rapid rate.Although some new jobs will becomeavailable, most job openings will csc,-cur because of the need to replaceworkers who retire, die, or leave theindustry for other work. People hiredby electric power companies are like-ly to have relatively secure jobs.Even during downturns in the econ-omy these companies seldom lay offemployees.

Because of the increased demandfor electric power, it will be neces-sar=y to build and operate many newgenerating stations. The use of largerand more efficien4 equipment, how-ever, will result in a great increase incapacity and production without acorresponding increase in the num-ber of powerplant operators. For ex-ample, it takes only one turbine op-erator to control a turbo-generatorregardless of the generator's size.Also, automatic equipment makes itpossible to control several boilersfrom a central control room

Earnings and WorkingConditions

,

The earnings of powerplant work-ers vary by occupation and locality.The following tabulation shows esti-mated average hourly earnings forselected powerplant occupations inprivately owned utilities in 1976.

Averagehourly..

Auxiliary etluipmtpt.operatar $5.66Borer operator 7.44Control room operator 8.26Switchboard operator

Switchboard operator. Clam A.. 7.56j Switchboard operator, Clan B .. 7.03

Turbine operator 7.26Watch engineer 8_67

A poweiplarit is typically well-lighted and ventilated, clean, and or-derly, but)t,here is some noise fromthe equipment.

Switchboard operators in the 'con-trol room often sit at the Vanelboards, but boiler and turbine opera-tors are almost constantly on theirfeet. The work of powerplant opera-tors generally is not physicallystrenuous, particularly in .the newpowerplants. Since generating sta-tions o rate 24 hours a day, 7 days aweek, "anti powerplant employeesmust weak ghts and weekends, usu-ally

. on jting shifts.

Sources of AdditionalInformation

For. information concerning licens-ing of powerplant employees, con-tact State and local- occupational li-censing agencies in your area orwrite to:National Institute for Uniform Licensing of

Power Engineers, 176 W. Adam Si. Suite1914. Chicago, Ill. 60603_

TRANSMISSION ANDDISTRIBUTIONOCCUPATIONS

Nature of the Work

One-fourth of the workers in theelectric power industry are in trans-mission and distribution jobs. Thisphase of the utility system links theelectric power produced in generat-ing plants to individual customers ac-cording to their needs. The principalworkers in these jobs are those whocontrol the flow of electricityloaddispatchers and substation opera-torsand employees who construct-

and maintain powerlinesline in-etalleris and repairer*, cable splicers,troubles ground helpers, and labor-en.

Load tchers (D.O.T.950.168), ed system opera-tors or powe Ispatchers, controlthe flow of electricity throughout thearea served by the utility. They oper-ate the plant equipment used to gen-crate electricity and direct- its flow.The load dispatcher's source ofinfor-!station for the entire transmissionsystem is the pilot board. This hoard,which dominates the load dispatch-er's room, is a complete map, of theutility's transmission system. It en-ables the dispatcher-to-determine, ata glance, the existing conditions atany point in the system. Often lightsare connected to the pilot hoard,which show the positions of switchesthat control generating equipmentand transmission circuits, as well ashigh-voltage connections with sub..stations and large industrial custom-ers. The board also may have metersand several recording instrumentsthat make a graphic record of opera-tions for future analysis and study_ .

Because it takes some time tochange the level Of electricity beingproduced, the load dispatcher mustanticipate power demands so that thesystem will be prepared to meetthem. Power demands on utility sys-tems may change from hour to hour.A sudden afternoon rainstorm, forexaMple-, may cause a million lightsto be switched on in a matter of min-utes. Dispatchers telephone instruc-tions to the switchboard operators atthe generating plants and the..sulasta-tions, telling them when to start orstop additional boilers and gener-ators so that power production willbe in balance with power needs.

Dispatchers also direct the han-dling of any emergency situation.such as transformer or transmissionline failure, and route current aroundthe affected area. They also may bein charge of interconnecting theirutility system with other systems anddirecting transfers of current be-tween systems as the need arises.

Substation operators (D.O.T .952.782) generally are responsiblefor the operation of the step-up or

step-down suhatatiOns. A step-upsubstatitn usually is located adjacentto the powerplant to raise the pcOf the electricity so it can !rave zingdistances_ step-down substation, atthe other end of the transmissionlines, reduces power voltage before itis sent out to the customesi. Underorders from the load displitcher.these operators use a switchbrd todirect the flow of current out of thestation. Ammeters, voltmeters, andother types of instruments registerthe amount of electric power flowingthrough each line. The flow of elec-tricky from the incoming to the out-going lines is controlled by circuitbreakers. The substation operators,using switchboard levers that controlthe circuit breakers, connect orbreak the flow of current. In somesubstations, where alternating cur-rent is changed to direct current tomeet the needs of special users, theoperator controls conyerters whichperform the change.

In addition to switching duties,substation operators check the opep-ating conditioh of all equipment tomake sure that it is working properly.They supervise the activities of theother substation employees on thesame shift. In smaller substations, theoperator may be the only employee.

Some utilities employ a mobile op-erator who drives from one automat-ic station to another, inspecting pow -

crimes, operating controls, andsifting customers' ,6Iectricians inlarge commerical or governmentalinstallations.

Line installers and repel(D.O.T. 821.,131).rnake` up the Uri-est single occupation in the indu*try.They cons_ and maintain the net-work of alines that carries elec-tricity from gentratOts plants to con-sumers.

Installers bolt crOssarrns to trans-mission poles and then bolt or clampinsulators in place on the crosasrms.Next, they raise wires and cablei andattach OM to the insulators. Otherequipment, such as lightning arres-tor*, transformers, and switches, alsomust' be attached to the poles. Anyroutine maintenance and replace-ments net scary are performed byline installe and repairers.

When w res, cables, or polesbreak, it me s an emergency call fora line-crew. repairers splice orreplace broke wires and cables andreplace broken itisulators or, otherdamaged equiprneA. Most installersand repairers now work from "buck-et" trpcks with, pneumatic lifts thattake them to the top of the pole atthe touch of a lever.

In some power companies, line-crew employees specialize in particu-lar types of work. Those in one crewmay work on new construction onlyand others may do only repair work.

.LIno istanerts eenistruceng underground eisietrie war lines.

t.1

7

D.O.T. 821.281)are experienced line installers and

tesiened tel.specialli emergency calls.one job to another,

as ordered by a central service officethat recelvds reports of line trouble.Often troubleshooters- receive theirorders by direct_ radio communica-tions wit lit the central service office.

To do ibis job well, these workersmust have a thorough knowledge ofthe company's transmisaiop and dis-tribution network. Upon reachingthe location of the breek, they firstfind and report the source of trouble.and then attempt to restore serviceby making the necessary repairs. Forexarriple. depending on the natureand extent of the problem. trouble-shooters may have to install newfuses or cut down live wires. Theymust be familiar with all the circuitsand twitching points so that they cansafely disconnect live circuits whenfines break down.

Gros-and helpers (D.O.T. 821.887)assist in constrecting, repairing, andmaintaining the transmission and dis-tribution lines. For example, they digpole holes. and then help the lineinstallers and repairers to raise thepoles while positioning'them into theboles.

'Cable splicers (D.O.T. 829.381)supervise the installation of insulatedcables on utility poles and towers. aswell as those buried undergroundand those carried in undergroundconduits. When cables are installed:these workers direct the laying of theconduit and the pulling of the cable

rough it. The fables are joined atConnecting points in the transmissionand distribution systems. At eachconnectionor break in the sys-tem insulation is wrapped aroundthe wiring and the cable is sealedwith lead sheathing. Most of the

\ physical work in placing new cablesor replacing old ones is done by la-borers.

Cable splicers spend most of theirtime repairing and maintaining ca-bles and changing the layout of thecable systems. They must know thearrangement of the wiring. systems,where the circuits are connected.end where they lead to and comefrom. When making repairs, they

must make sure that the'contintaiti ofeach line is maintained from the sob-station to the customer's pram**.Cable splicers also periodicallycheck insulation on cables to makesure it is in good condition.

Training, Other Qualifiesttlatttta,and Advancement

Load dispatchers are selected fromexperienced switchboard operatorsand from operators of large substa-tions. Usually. 7 to 10 years of expe-rience as a senior switchboard orsubstation operator are required forpromotion to load dispatcher. Toqualify for this job, an applicant musthave thorough knowledge of the en-tire utility system. Substation opera-tors generally begin as assistant orjunior operators. Advancement tothe job of operator in a large substa-tion requires from 3 to 7 years of ore -the -job training.

About 4 years of on-the-job train-ing are needed to qualify as a skilledline installer and repairer. New work-ers usually begin training as groundhelpers, and assist the line installersand repairers. For example, they mayhelp set poles in place or pass toolsand equipment. Some companieshave formal apprenticeship programsfor line employees. Apprenticeshipprograms combine on-the-job train-ing with classroom instruction inblueprint reading, elementary elec-trical theory, electrical codes, andmethods of transmitting electricalenergy. After about 6 months, ap-prentices begin to do simple lineworeunder close supervisipn. and progressto more difficult work as they gainexperience. A line installer and re-pairer may advance to troubleshoot-er after several years of experience.

Candidates for linework should bestrong and in good physical conditionbecause climbing poles and liftinglines and equipment is strenuous.'They also must have steady nervesand good balance to work at the top;{of the poles and to avoid the hazards,'of live wires and falls.

Most cable splicers get their train-ing on the job, usually taking about 4years to become fully qualified.Workers begin- as helpers and thenare promoted to assistant or juniorsplicers. In these jobs, they are as-

Signed mare dl lcult take141O940g9 Of the work Were-

gallnleinsiont

1 theasenek job oereartueitiesate ealre d to be avellahle.in toles-tnsion awl tliatribution oecupostiunsthrough the raid-1980'e Moat ofthese opportunities will occur he-

eye of the need to replace experi-enced workers who retire. die, ortransfer to other fields of worit.Workers hired be electric powerc'ImPllinies are hitely to have relative,ry smote jobs. EvVil define dorfri-tarns in the eel70Ortly, thew comPa-ells' saltine' lay off creployeut

Some increase in the eseploymenttrf itasumhstion and distributionworkers, is (*peeled, although ere-eloyrnent trends Will differ` amongthe various becuPsticura in this cots-.gory . Is spite of the heed to constructsend maintain a rapidly growing in

of tetleteisijOil anti dittatihtitiortlineal the nortillfr ofruld rerairers and troubleehootata isexpected to ificroSie only slightly be-elitist of the tithe of Mere mechanized.eetsienteent. A limited iticrekse in thenumber of cable Splicers is expectedbecause of the growing toe of under-ground lines in suburban areas, Theneed tot regular substation opera;tons, however, will be reduced sub-stantially, since the letroductioe ofimproved and room euweiestic equip-ment Ismices it possible to operatemore substations by remote c-ntrol.

Riornings and Workingeundifitins

Wages for transmission and distri-ion workers veer by occupation

and geographic location. Tile Wow.ins tabuistion allows estimated aver-age hourly earnings for major trans-mission and distribution occupationsin privately owned utilities in 1976.

Line irlateilerlocl rt,palrerhors diePetotiorSubstation operator..Trouble

Averate...410krlY

eAritirlfi

$5.377.97sets1.149.1$

Load dispatchers and eubstatiatnopera generally work indoors inpie surroundings. Line installersand , pairers. troubleshooters, andground helpers work outdoors, andin emergencies, may won( lb all kindsof weather. Cable splicers do most oftheir work beneath city streetsof-ten in cramped quarters. Safety stan-dards developed over the years by

=ponies, with the coopers -r el have greatly re-hazards of these jobs.

kers sfing high voltage lines,for example, protect themselves bywearing rubber gloves. Also, bard-.Cadet and specific warning signs usu-ally ale posted where workers lay

-.condiaNts or run wires underground.

CUSTOMER SERVICEOCCUPATIONS

Nature of the Work

Workers in customer service occu-pations include people who read, in-stall, test, and repair meters so thatthe utility company can accuratelycharge customers for their consump-tion of electric power. Also includedare workers who represent the utilitycompany in rural areas, and appli-ance repairers who work in compa-ny-operated shops, fixing customers'electrical equipment.

Electric meter repairers (D.O.T.729.281) are the most skilled work-era in this group. Their main duties ,are to maintain and repair meters.although they also may install andtest-meters. Some of these workersspecialize in repairing simpler typesof meter[, such as those in homes.Others can handle all kinds of me-ters, including the more complicatedones used in industrial plants where-large quantifier of electric power areconsumed. Often, some of the largesystems require specialistsa such asmeter installers (D.O.T. 821.381)who put in and take out meters, andmeter testers (D.O.T. 729.28.1).

Meter readers (D.O.T. 239.588) goto customers' premises to check themeters that register the amount ofelectric energy used. They record theamount used during the current bill-

meter rsaders'ge to eu- 1 to

) record used.

ing period and watch for. and report,any tampering with meters.

District representatives usuallyserve as company agents in puttyingdistricts that are too small to justifymore specialiied workers and in la-calities where the utility cornpanYdoes not have an office. Tliey collectoverdue 'bills; make minor repairs;and read, connect, and disconnect ,meters. They receive service corn -plaints and reports of line troublefrom customers, and send thfas tocentral office.

ApPliance repairers are discuastcla separate chapter elsewhere in theHandbook.

Training, Other Qualification.,end Advancenlent

Meter repairers begin their jobs ashelpers in the meter tesnag and re,pair departments. Persons enteringthis field should have a basic know',"edge of electricity. About 4 years ofon-the-job training are required tobecome thoroughly familiar with ell

types of repairs. Some companieshave formal apprenticeship prograinsis winch the trainee progresses ac-cording -to a Specific plan.

Inetperienced workers can qualifyas Meter readeti after a few weeks oftraining. Beginners accompany theeeperienced meter reader on the!mde until they have learned the

job.`The ditties of district represente-d also are teamed on the job. Anportent qbalification for this occu-

pation is the ability to deal tactfullywith the public in handling servicecomplaints and collecting overdue

Out ploruont Outlook,

Employment in customer serviceoccupations is expected to show littlechange through the mid-1980's. Theneed for meterreaders will be limitedbecause of the trend-toward less fre-quent readings. Moreover, automaticmeter reading may become moreDolmen, and new meters will re-

quire less maintenance. However,some jOb openings for meter repair-Cin anti meter readers will occur eachyear because of the need to replaceWorkers who retire, die, or transfer toother fields of work. People hired byelectric power companies ace likelyto have relatively secure jobl. Evenduring

averin the economy.

tizZect:s. inpanies seldom lay off em-

Whinge and WorkingConditions

-gs of customer serviceaccording to the type of

they have and the section of theountry in which they work. Theallowing tabulation shows estimated

erage hourly earnings for majorriser service jobs in privately

wiled utilities in 1976.

OCCUPATIONS Ifs THE. TELEPHONE INDUSTRY

. Just about everyone has a tele, tanizatichs have hundreds. Somephone. Many households have two or- people have telephones in their carsmore, and large businesses and or- and oh their boats. A few even have

1 70

9

portable telephones that they eaterywith them like briefcases. There also'are thousands of public telephoneson street corners and in airporti, res-taurants. and stores. Altogether.More than 155 million telephoneswere in use in the United States in1916, and people made over 600 mil-lion local and long-distance calls ev-.ery.day.

To provide all this service, tele-phone companies employed approxi-mately 920,000 persons in -1976.Most worked in telephone craftoccupations, in clerical occupation's,or as telephone operators.

The telephone industry offerssteady, year-round employment injobs requiring a variety of AMA, andtraining. Most require a high schooleducation; some can be learned onthe dbjoh. Many require particularskills that may take several' years ofexperience, in addition to 9 monthsof training, to learn completely.

Telephone jobs are found in al- -most every community, but mosttelephone employees work in citiesthat have large concentrations of in-dustrial and business establishments.The nerve center of every local tele-phone system is the central officethat contains the switching equip-ment through which one telephonemay be connected with any othertelephone. When a call is made, the,signals travel from the caller's tele-phone through wires and -cables tothe cable vault in the central office.Here thousands of pairs of wires, in-cluding a pair for the caller's tele-phone, fan out to a distributing framewhere each pair is attached toswitching equipment. As the numberis dialed, electromechanical andelectronic switching equipmentmake the connection automatically,and, in seconds, the caller hears thetelephone ringing. Only in a few re-maining switchboards and igionusualsituations does an operator make theconnection.

Beeause some customers Makeand receive more calls than a singletelephone line can handle, a systemsomewhat similar to a miniature cen-tral office may be installed on thecustomer's premises. This system isthe private branch exchange (PBX ),usually found in office buildings, ho-

10

tell, department and otherbusiness firms.

Another type of service for busi-nesses is Called CENTRE!(, in whichincoming calls can be dialed to anyextension without an ,operator's as-sistance, and outgoing and interof-fice calls can be dialed by the exten-sion users. This equipment can belocated either on telephone companypremises or on the customer's prem-ises. CENTRIBX has replated PBX iiipopularity among business and ba-dustrial users that handle a -very largevolume of calls. However. PBX instillmore popular with smaller users.

Other communications servicesprovided by telephone companies in-clude conference equipment in -.stalled at a PBX to permit conversa-tions among several telephsine userssimultaneously; - mobile radiortele-phones in automobiles, boats, air-planes, and trains; and telephonesequipped to answer calls automati-cally and.to give and take messagesby recordings.

Besides providing telephones andswitching equipment, telephonecompanies build and maintain mostof the vast network of cables andradio-relay systems nettled for cote-munications services, including thosethat join the thousands of broadcast-in'g stations around the country.These services are leased to networksand their affiliated stations. Tele-

phe companies also lease data andprivate wire services to business andgoverqment offices.

The Bell System owns more' an 4Out of 5 of the Nation's telephones.Independent telephone- companiesown the remainder. There are ap-proximately 1,600 independent tele-phone 'companies in the UnitedStates. General Telephone and Elec-tronics Corp., United Utilities, Inc.,and Continental Telephone Corp.,service about 2 out of every 3 tele-phones owned by independent corn-parties.

Telephone Occupations`

Although the telephone industryrequires workers in many differentoccupations, telephone craft workers

ind operators make up more thinin-hall of all workers. (Seearty° chart.)Tele hone craft workers install,

repair, and maintain telephones, ca-bles; switching equipment, and mes-sage accounting systems. Theseworkers can be grouped by the typeof work they perform. Constructionworkers place, splice, and maintaintelephone wires and cables; installersand repairers place, maintain, and re-pair 'telephones and private branchexchanges (PBX) in,homes and offic-es and other places of business; andcentral. office craft workers test.

SL

Telephone craft workers and operators made upmore than one-half of all workers employed in theindustry indl 976

Managerial aridprofessional workers

BiAiness andsales workers

Orr I

wnrk

ArnOr..CArk ides n.3 0 T,,i,gr0OK

Telephone.operators

Construction!installation,and maintenancewo kers

11

maintain, and repair .equipment incentral offices.

Operators make telephone con-nections; assist customers in special-ized services, such as reverse-chargecalls; and provide information. De-tailed discussions ;Of telephone craftoccupations and telephone and PBX°wetis are presented elsewhere inthe Handbook.

More than one-fifth of all tele-phone industry employees are cleri-ca workers. They include stenogra-.phers, typists-, bookkeepers,- office'machine and computer nperators,keypunch operators, Cashiers, recep-tionist*. file clerks, accounting andauditing clerks, and payroll clerks.Clerical worlcers keep records of ser-vices, make up and send bills to cus-tomers, and prep_are statistical andother reports.

About one -tenth of the industry'semployees are professional workers.Maw of these are scientific and tech-nicifpersonnel such as engineers anddrafters. Engineers plan cable andmicrowave routes, central office andPBX equipment installations, newbuildings, and the expansion ofing structures, and solve other engi-neering problems.

Some engineers also engage in re-search and development of newequipment, and persons with engi-neering backgrounds often advanceto till top managerial and administra-tive positons. Other professional' andtechnical workers are accountants,personnel and labor relations work-ers, public relations specialists andpublicity writers, computer systemsanalysts, computer programmers,and lawyers.

About I in very 12 of the indus-try's employees is a business andsales 'representative. These employceased new communications services -and directory advertising and handlerecpiests for installing or discorinnu-ing telephone service.

About.3 percent of the industry'sworkers maintain buildings, offices,and warehouses; operate and servicemotor vehicles; and do other mainte-nance jobs in officei aria plarits.Skilled maintenance workers includestationary engineers, carpenters,painters, electricians, and plumbers.

I

"Other workers employed by the tel.phone industry are janitors, porters,and guards.

Employment Outlook

Telephone industry employment isexpected to increase about as fast asthe average for all industries throughthe mid-1980's. In addition to thejobs from employment growth, tensof thousands of_ will ariseeach 'year because of the need toreplace experienced. workers who re-tire, die, or leave their jobs for otherreasons.

arnployment will grow primarilybecause higher incomes and a largerand more mobile population will in-crease the use of telephone service.Greater demand for transmission ofcotnputer-processed data and otherinformation via telephone companylines also will stimulate employmentgrowth. Laborsaving innovalions,however, will keep employment fromgrowing as rapidly as telephone ser-vice.

Employment of telephone opera-tors is expected to decline. ind thenumber of telephone companiescharging customers for directory as-sistance calls increases, more peoplewill dial numbers directly and usetelephone directories to locate needy-ed numbers, thus reducing the needfor operators. Also, improved switch-

Irw&=.

ing equipment will allow snore callstck be connected without an opera-tor's assistance: and more advancedbilling systems will automatically re-lay billing information to computer-ized 'files that are- used in preparingcustomer's billing statements. Tech-nological innovation" will restrictemployment growth in some skilletcrafts. For example. , mechanical ire.:provements, such as -pold-,liftirigequipment acid earth-boring tools,have limited the employment of line '

installers by increasing their efticien-cy.

New technology, however, is ex-pected to increase the demand forengineering and technical personnel,especially electrical and electronicengineers and technicians, corriputerprogrammers, and systems analysts.Employment in adrninintrative andsales occupations will rise as tele-phone -business increases.

Earnings and WorkingConditions

In 1976, earnings for nonsupervi-sory telephone employees averaged$6.46 an hour. In comparison. non. _supervisory workers iris an private in-Austries. except farming, averaged$4.87 an hour.

In late 1975, basic rates rangedfront an average of $3.75 an hour fortelephone operatOr trainees to

Altholigh employment in,the telephone .industry willfluctuate due to economic cycles, moderate tong - termgrowth is expected

Watie and salary workers in telephone dprorcted 1985E.11.11loyen^-,

1,, iti,m,mirlt,

ti01)

600

400

200

0

unication, 1950-76 and

195n 1955 1960 l%5

Sour. Bt eau of LADO, St4If1licS

1975 1980 1985

$ 10.76 for profesetioreal and MTh IPM--festional workers other than drafters_

A telephone ern plo yee usuallystarts at the minimurn wage for: theparticular job. A.dvancement fromthe starting rate to the maximum rate'generally takes 5 years, but (=yratorsand clerical employees of some corn-pasties may reach the maximum ratein 4 yearn-

MOrie than two-thirds of the %work-ers in the Indust'', mainly teleptioneoperators and craft workers, aremembers of labor unions. The twoprincipal unions representing w ork-era in the telephone industry area theCommunicatioms Vorkers of Airier-ice. and the International Brother-hood of Electrical Workers, butmany other employees are mem hers'of the 15 independemt unions thatform the Telecomnunications Inter-national Union.

Union contracts govern w agerates, wage increa.ses, and theamount of time reguired to advancefrom one step to the net for mosttelephone workers. The contractsalso call for extra pay for work be-yond the normal 8 hours a day, or 5days a week, and for all Sunday andholiday work. Most contracts pro=vide a pay differential for night work

Overtime work aOrnetintell ifi re

quired, especially during ernerg_encies, such as floods, IruflriMne13. orbad storms_ Marino dra .erric rgesicycall-out,' which is a short-notice re-

quest to report for 'work during n -onscheduled hours, .workers are gnat-anteed a minimurn Pe t-krd of pay- atthe basic hourly rate. r ravel time tetween jobs is counted as worktifor craft workers cinder sOrne crn=ttacts.

Paid vacations are gr mnied Lacco 1.1ire to length of service_ Usually, ccytracts provide for a l -eek vacationbeginning with 6 months of service; 2weeks for I to 7 years; 3 weeks fry? 8to 15 years; 4 weeks for 16 24

years; and 5 weeks for 25 year is_ndover. Depending on locality, he ides)"range from 9 to I 1 days a year. Meetelephone workers are covered by

paid sick leave plans and group insur-ance which usually provide sickness,accident. and death benefits and 're-fitment and disability pensions.

the telephone industry has one of

the best safety records in American

12

industry. The number of diasblirig represent teleephone workers. It noinjuries has been well below the aver- local union is listed in the telephoneage. directory, write tin:

Se urcelitr Cif AdditionalInformallors

More details about employmentopportunities are available from thetelephone company in your commu-nity or local offices of the unions th at

Telecommunications International Union.Key. go: 5462. Minden, Cora. 06515.

Intemstkmal Brotherhood of Elchrical Work-ers, 120015th St. NW., Washington. D.C.20005.

United States Independent Telephone Associ-ation, 1 801 Itr St. NW , Suite I2O I, Wash-ington, 205X36.

TiLEPIHONE CRAFT OCCIWATIOMStore than I out of every 3- em-

ployees in the telephone industry is a

craft worker_ who installs, repairs,and maintains phones, cables, arsd re-lated equipment. This &spter dis-cusses the four groupenf telephonecraft occupations: Central officecraft occupations, central Officeequipment installers, line installersand cable splicers, and telephone innailer& arkd repairers.

CENTRAL OFFICE C AFToccupArioNIS

Natures or this Went

t ci,..vhunrn duortipainies enriptiOyeCiaycellt 135.0o craft workers in 1976

to maintain and repair the complexequipment in their central offices.Most worked as frame wirers, centraloffice repairers, and trouble locators.In small telephone companies, cen-tral office craft workers Must per-form a variety of jobs, but most spe-cialize in one of these three areas.

Frame wirerr 822184)connect and disconnect wires thatrun frost telephone lines and cablesto equipment in central siffces. Thisequipment consists of a frame havingmazy terminal lugs mounted on it,each of which it assigned a specifictelephone slumber. It also containsone pair of wires for each customer'stelephone that is connected to thatcentral ofijee. To connect a new tele-phone, the frame wirer solders the

felep rat) occupations will offer relatively fewoZteni ngs

Oeic,iod Qdtt occ;upaition5Average arin ual opertingn, 1976-135 (ir, thousands)

2 3 4

11411 4 Growth RePaCaMen

Frame wirer meltes conne

,,ink..a.416 p ',tali vt wt. ea a a,6terminal lugs_ To disounacci a fetephone, a frame wirer melts off thet141411cr 404 MI litzoles (Inc wit. s t.ointhe terminal Frame wirers occasionally change s Uldical.,e1 'a pLoolte *Winbet This is 4,,..1aC by reconecturgcustomer 'S pall of is ties to a difirciset of terminal lug_s

al offt, c te.r.s12.28 I ) A-I-tantrum the 4 sit ii..1equipmen, that autc.maircally consects lines when c.U$1.0111CFS dial numberiL Electromechanical swit,;hingsystems containonoving parts thatmust be cleaned and oiled periodical-ly A1540. SICCI-0,4114; awitr Jiing C. r. oilsmost be checked natty forbreakages:

When cuss...tag,with their telephone-- 4bL 1.,n..ururs

(D 0.11- 823-381) N,urk at specialswitchboards to find the 3c ,arcs ofthe problem. To do this, they coalmunicate with telephone. installersand repairers as they attempt tomake COrIrlaCII4V13 from a portable

tellophone.

teIGVIA . ic Uzi wish tile LAsituluel

Service line to the central office. Thetrouble shooter locates the problemby ha ills the telephone repairerconnect the portable phone at Var-ious places on the cust43111C1.3 Bac WI(II a connection can be made throughto tlAe central office if the problem is

found to be at the central office, thetrouble rocAtcr repeats this proce-dure with a cenual office repairer inaddition. trouble locators must alsotest new eLicripment when it is-installed to make sure installations aremade correctly They also work withother employees, such as central of-fice repairers and cable splicers, whotrek, find the cause of trouble andmak, rcpai9

14101111 [?diet uh.a111140+11and Advanc,erneilt

4'4;i

...loin..... ..11k eaillea 11., 4.1./3

Jni illiatrU ..tiOn and on-ti,e-jobtaAialag to new central offiCe craftemployees In addition, telecommu-nications eq-uipment manufacturers

often train central office craft work -ers in the use, maintenance, and le:pair of equipment that they sell totelephone companies. Some voca-tional schools, particularly those inrural areas served by small indeperi-denttelephone companies, also offertraining to persons interested in be-coming central office craft workers.A few people may learn these craftsthrough apprenticeship programs de-signed by State employment agenciesin conjunction with local telephonecompanies. Often classrooms aresupplied with equipment similar tothat which the trainee will be usingon the job.

Trainee jobs generally are filled byemployees already with the compa-ny, such as telephone operators orline installers. Occasionally workersare hired from outside. Usually.trainees are assigned to the startingjola of .frame wirer, and take basiccourses in telephone communica-tions_ They gain practical experienceby observing and helping experi-enced frame wirers under the direc-tion of supervisors_ With additionaltraining and experience, a frame wir-er can advance to central office repalter or trouble locator Usually ittakes at (east 5 years fur nit ifICXpefisnood worker to advance to the toppay fate in either of these two jobs

Since electrical wires are usuallyfor coded, persons w ho are 4;011Sidng careers in central office crafts

haul,! nut be color blind They alsoshould be able to work closely withothers, because teamwork often is cs

isential in solving complex problems!A basic knowledge of electricity andelectronics and telephone training in

_,qtelArmed Forces are hclTelephone companies cal

office craft employees continuedtraining throughout their careers tokeep dun, abreast of the latest devel-opments_ As new types of equipmentand tools and new -maintenancemethods are introduced, employeesare sent to schools to learn aboutthem.

Central office craft workers whohave managerial ability can advanceto supervisory positions.

13

Employtnent Cuthink

Employment in central office craftoccupations is expected to increaseabout u fast as the average for alloccupations thiniuSh the mid-19E0*s.Many new central offices mill be builtto facet the expected increase in de -mend for telephone services. Older?,outdated central offices' will be re -modeled to include improved oleotronic switching systems (ESS)- Aspopulation grows and becomes moremobile, a greater der-nand' for tele-phone installations and removals willresult in ernployrneml ggroWth forframe wirers,, trouble locators, andcentral office repairers. Adeitionalemployment growth for trouble loch=ton and central office repairers willresult from the use of increasinglycomplex equipment which requiresmore maintenance. AIM, newer andsnore complex central office eelrnent will require more testing wheninstalled, thus increasing tlhe derri andfor trouble locators,

In addition to employment growth,many job openings will arise from theneed to replace experienced workerswho retire, die, or transfer to otheroccupations. Retirements and deathsalone may result in several thousandopenings each year. Although mostjob opening_s are filled by the ad-vancement of operators and otherworkers already employed by tele-phone companies, some trainee posi-tions as frame wirers should be available for new employees. Most jobopenings will be in metropolitanareas.

Earnings amid WorleIngiCondition

In late 1976, average hourly rtnia,ftwere $7.2e for trouble locators and$6.95 for central office repairers. Bycomparison, nornsupeiv isory work erain all private industries, except farm-ing, averaged 14.87 an hour.

Earnings increase considerablywith length of service. Under theterms of a major union contract ineffect in late 1976, frame wirersstarted at $4.68 an ho ur and couldwork up to a maximum of $7.03 anhour after 4 years. Central officerepairers and trouble locators couldearn a maximum-I of 18:34 an hourafter 5 years.

14

Employees in central offices workin clean and we IIlighted surround-ings. Since the telephone industrygives continuous service to its cut-torners, central offices operate 24hours a day, ,7 days a week. Somecentral office craft -workers, there-fore, have work schedules that in-clude shift work and some weekendsand holiday work for which they rse-ceive extra pay. Cen nal office craftworkers a re covered by the sameprovisions governing overtime pay,vacations, holidays, and other bene-fits that apply to telephone workersgenerally:

See the slate= at on the telephonicindustry elsewhere irs the tianclboarkfor sources of additional informationand for gersera.l information on fringebenefits,

CENTIME OFFICEE LIIPIVIENT INSTALLEFIS

(rao.T. 822 .38 I)

Nature of the Work

C =Kral ovitic;e equipment installersout up the cum pies 1w-itching and di-aling affil uipment used in central officcs epf telephone companies. Theymay install 4w-inn:sent in new centraloffices, add equipment in an expandsing office, or replace outdated equip-ment

On a Jots, installers follow blue-prints, diag-rarns, and floor plans inorder to position the equipmentproperly and wire it correctly. Theyoften use hoists to lift heavy itemsinto place and use liandtools, such asscrewdrivers or soldering runs, toc onnect equipment once it is inplace. Recently developed equip -rrient sometimes come t in preassembled components and often requiresonly simple plug-irs connections,

After the new equiptne rit has beenput in place, installers connect theoutgoing and incoming telephonetrunklines, often consulting diagramsto era stir, that connect ions are m adecorrectly. Once this is completed.installers then test the system, usingelectrical testing equipment, such aselectrical pulse repeaters and ohm-

meters, to measure the strength andconsistency of the current flzw. If

installers discover that the systeln is

not functioning properly, they mustcheck the equipment and all connec-

-tions to determine the cause, andthen correct it.

Places of £mployment

Abut 20,000 instellem were em-ployed in 1976. Most worked formanufacturers of central office equip-ment. OtOters worked directly fortelephCS6 torripaines or for privatecontractors who iipecialire iii large-nate

most cesiuml office equipment in-stallers wo rk in metropolitan areas,where large central offices are found.hundreds of installers may be re-quired to work on large jobs such asa long-distance toll center in a bigcity. Other installers are assignedareas that include several States, andtherefaire they must travel frequentlyto small tovms within their area In-stalling equipment in small comrriu-anities often requires only 2 or 3 in-stallers-

Trolaing. Other Qualif`iesflon o.in Advaneement

Individuals considering careers ascentral office equipment Untidier*should have good eyesight and,,sinceelectrical ,wires are generally colorcoded, shook' not be color blind.`The y amulet be able to work with'anthers, for teamwork ften is essen-tial to solving a con-tries problem.Although manufacturers generally'provide all the necessary training toperform this job, courses in, blimp Tintreading and electronic theory arehelpful to those interested in this ca-riser .

New employees attend classes thefirst tow- weeks to learn basic installa-tion and then begin on-thejob train-ing. often trainees will be transport-ed to the plant where the equ rpm entis man sifac tured to receive theirtraining-

Work era who have severely ears ofe 1perience may qualify as sEilled in-asallAers. Training continues. how-e ver. even after they become skilled;additional courses are given fronttime to tine to imprOve skills and toteacth n ew -techniques in install ing

Ir

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trot t his Will not al

remit *told owttchirifil aqutpow.ut

NCI, the ti Inc sa vi,rgs , csultirrlg II utttthe use of co opponent parts

V=inploy incur [nay duetuate tt outy C4I Itowe, Cr, becau.e in

ves.(1.,--1, in c.ritral office equiptuentis sub),ect business con(lit ions a na availability of funds.

1 la ois .c.-11 buainCss 15 !Jr oaps ringis tali anicins and mudIrications Of

61; 4 )11S) 4-Aff1.-63 allay octal at noobo-_=.1; a C. IdKc. N ice Viten

sillksik, it, tick. cased_ the Icithoott O. at new c-,cal, al °Ili,:

cs till be unlit or that e,nisting officeswill be ct.lat td ,1 Ili -Kitt tutted

Wutklriytittles-us

.LILI .i t, fcct laoC 1976. :0%at t: cm. 141 tititce c ..nnpancrit Iii

LA 61cl starting rates for inexpertclie_cd it. aalle is ranked aunt S3 73 toS4 11 ran hour The contract provedcd Ic, pe twit.. increases, and ern-pl,, ycc. 4,0`111,i lcacti a=isles of S720 toSS 34 a bout Oiler ,j years of expertco.._. c [,,o,c1 and expense allowances

etc vIL1.4

1-1,c Co rurisun icatiotts w Leila L.(

"1"11s-,a cP1C$c"1.5 most central of=ctjuipme nt installers. including

those with the Bell System. The In-ternational Brotherhood of MealWorkers represents some ins_ liaremployd by various telephone cprn-

.parties, by manufacturers supplyingthe independent'segment of thephone industry, and by large installa-tion contractors.

See the statement on the telephoneindustry elsewhere in the Handbookfor sources of additional informationand for general information on fringebenefits.

LINE INSTALLERS ANDCABLE SPLICERS

Nature at the Work

llie vast toetWOIl. of wires grin ables that connect telephone centraloffices to each other and to custom-ers' telephones and switchboards isconstructed and maintained by lineinstallers and cable splicers and theirhelpers Telephone companies em=ployed almost 55,000 of these -work-ers in 1936 including atiout 33,000cable splicers, 15,000 line installers,and 7,000 helpers, laborers, and oth-er workers

Co construct I.", 1.6111A,,eliC trues,fine Irurullers (E) 01 822 381) placewires and cables that lead from theicro Oa! office to customers' premisesThey use putter ditven equipment todig holes and set in telephone poreswhich support cablca I Inc installersclimb the poles to attach the cables,usually leaving (rie ends flee Nocable splicers to connect Inlet lbcities where telephone linta arc be-low Ilte streets, installers place cablesin underground conduits On con-st,uetion lobs, installer's work increws of two persons or entire. A su-pervisnor directs the work of severalcrews

When *tics crl ....4)1,.3 bleak tit a1.601C is knocked ovvn, line installersoften are called upon to make emer-gency repairs. These repairs are mostcommon in pars of the country thathave hurricanes, tornadoes, andheavy snowfalls. The line crew super-visor keeps in radio contact with thecentral office, which directs the crewto problem locations on the lines,

Some installerss periodically inspectsections of lines in rural areas andmake minor repairs.

After line installers place cables onpoles or in underground conduitssi,cab!, splicers' (0.0.T 829,381 ) gen-erally complete the line connectio_ns.Splicers work on poles, on aerial lad-

rs and platforms, in manholes, orbasements of large buildings. They

connect individual wires within thecable and rearrange wires when lineshave to be changed At each splice.they eitherptrap insulation aroundthe wires inc} seal the joint with alead sleeve or cover the splice withsortie other type of closure Usually.they till the cable sheathing withcompressed air to keep out moisture

Splicers also install teltelrnlnal boxesthat counccl customers' telephonesto outside cables An innovation intelephone onnceting, these terntioalboxes are often placed Iii the baseMentS of apartment huildiiigs or other buildings containing multiple tcicphone Customers Whet' a telephoneinstaller wishes to connect or discon-nect H k_titts."111C.Ca icicptione It s=ail

be done quickly al the 1C1111111..alSOL:cis also Inanitain and ',pal,

,ables I h;.woik. that limy JO is e Atictocly lire

[JOT-Wilt. b=k_aus. a 1li.gie dcfe,i incable may cause a serious Intel rut,non in ac. ',14sc sp.,tsare located through air pressure oreIe file testa

I lailietioNw 44.

_

s

anu Mxlvaricsnriont

1.1, .

:need w.,i 1 er s t,_i trail. lot )._

Ilnc installers ..abl-1 s 111,C

4nowledge of the LASiC priniples -Jelectricity and training in installingtelephone aytitelliS with the AlinedForces are helpful Physi-al e-anninahorn usually are given to prospectiveentployees, since some line and C4b1cwork is \net-11140w requiring wolikersto climb poles and lift heavy Catilcsand equipment Th . ability to distillguish colors is necessary b.;caus,wires usually art_ coded by

Telephone comp:mica haveg ()grams for line inst.tille,a alto

a_ le splicers that include cla_sSioorninstruction as well as on -the jobtraining' Classrooms ate equippedwith actual telephone apparatus

la

4.

1 r"

GaDlo splicer*

A I 1-,s vs to phone t.oi t.41kj wilt ii..iJ,,JL. 1...11k3 as . as

I t Armes Iea111 toarts, taaoht sat, wotkIII6

ild tali, an.i COritactwith pow,' tici a short pc11od twillccts S. daaigliCti to a czew to workwith es,vericuceo Ii..e installers andsolo spliwcts urioci ti.c supervision

of a ham supc. visoradt..11t1011 L,.) the 1,1 =.1

tcicplioac panics sometu., .11r t4,etalr Eta of ...able installationcciolviaciat alt,, 1. btu line installersan..! Lame lia th.; 'Jac of equipineht that the nitamfatureis sell to

10114.0,,

cable w.,...gkeis to the mainitat/m,c,training school A t owe( times man

lets scud Molt Inattai;totsite

Somecoin pastes. psrtitsularly thhaeareas do not have adequate Is i tiesto train then employees Thetefore.they may rely on local vocational andtechnical schools to provide lass,roAnin training to craft _unployces Afew apprenticeships also are avail-able for line aid cable workers l'sthes.e cases, employees receive class-room training in courses such asmathematics and electrons.= theury

nsored by otsisicle agencies, forex' ample State employment agencies,while they receive on-the-lobirtg, Apprenticeships generally last 4years.

Litre installers and cable splicerscontinue to receive training through-out their careers, to qualify for moredifficult assignments and to keep upwith technological changes. Due tothe strenuous nature of the job, mostline installers and cable splicers findit necessary to transfer to other occupawns as they advance in age,. rhoscDrying the necessary qualficat_find Many additional advarkenopportunities in the telephone indus-try For example', a line instliller, maybe transferred to telephone installerand later to tvlephune repairer- orother higher rated job

eimoluyt1144.1

totployincot,kpected to stn.,* little 0, no ,hartActhrough the rind- rural'; tectaintugical developments such as the telephone splicing van winch uses thetruck engine to hc, and ventilatenninhvIcs arid drive cook 'u'dcLimpnlern will nnpro,c di, c-tn,,tency of ktius the- needto. auditional ,surkers Nev,;rthzlessfriary job openings will arise due torare klccd t. (.plaLC AijcilC=11

IlpfLer3 wt.o 1 ZtIre, Ore tfilalottici o,4OpdtitJils

1 Ittic IR/ k.,11.a..b,

Dun, Lc, of INC M3. ok.,g s t.the InCt caNg use i 41 hi,pro ,cineitta st ch as alt,ws thatJig a LI z i,t1 and ,,g-v"--1 it III

a single op,latiult Rave Iltllitttt.dtuner) of the heavter. physt-al -.Notts tthe line ,.;revv,,s and ha' e causedJut-nuns in e.v ,tz; Alt-3 satellite.?arc CApctoi to cart) alt 1.14.-Seauts6volume of t,lephoritc. traffic thusslightly leuuc..ing the Lrnphasis oncable installation tt,c other in-ad,as Lit tiatl A.C.,14N eApand

outward, some ernployintent opportunities for line installers and cablesplicers may be created by the Jcsticto plac e 101516110y C.461.,:s l.ndtrground rte localities where cablespresently ale hung fruit, pole In oddition, some job op nings will ct, curas experienced line installers torte,die, or transfer too -upations

Due to the many miles of cablewhich must be installed and main-tained in rural areas job openings forline installers and cable splicers maybe easier to find in small cities than inmetropolitan areas.

Earnings and WorkingConditions

in late 1975, wage rates of ail lcsplicers overaged $6.36 an hour. lineinstallers averaged $6 49, and cablesplicers' helpers. ¶5 46 By cornparison1 itonsupe tv 'sot y workers 10 all

industries, except faro-ling._- $4 87 an hour

Pay rates for cable splicers and lineinstallers depend to a considerableextot upon length ut service andgeographic location For example,under the terms of a major union'contract in effect in late 1976 newworkers in !Inc r.uristruction jobs trlthe highest pay scale cities gart at$4 / I All hour and could each am.Aitoum of 1,5 34 after 5 years ofNet s lee I he maximum hourly ratefor ciabie splicers also was Sri, 34.Unit installers and cable splicars arecuYeed by the sante contract proviskins governing overtime pay, vaCtiLions holadays. and other benefitsthat apply_to tcl,phone work.er5 gene.ialty

tdne ,

,fifk u-trloors "They lutist doealple Llirotang,.,and often work Instooped and cramped positions Safe,

ridaids, deNcloped over the),e,i s by telepitorte companies withtri..,....op,ration of Lbor unions, navegreatly reduced the haearris of .e.SV

t)4,11P:.(101iN 4' hell seven wetelci, hone line, line irritall

ers and , able splicers may be calledo walk long and irregular

hit 15 ,c5t.o1 t. scrylLeSec Oh; statclt.ent

u.dustry elsewhere in the tf4ndk,014tor soul. es of additional ihforinatiorianti fur general information on fringebenefit.

ti telIONEINSTALLERS

REPAIRERS

repaiier. About 110,000 were m-ployed in 1976. They install and ser-vice telephones and switchboard sys-terns such as P4X and CENTHEX oncustorners. Property and make re-Pairs on the equip_ ment when troubledevelops. These workers generallytravel to customers' homes and offic-es in trues equipped with telephonetools and sunplies. When customersmove or request new types of service,

.they relocate telephones or .rnakechanges on existing equipment. Forettarntrle, they may install a switch-board in an office. or change a two;pprty line to a single-party line in aresidence_ Installers also -may fill a

customer's request to add an exteTsiert in another room, or to replace'an old telephone with a new model.Most installers aqd r airers special-ize in one or two the Jobs de-st-it/ed howeve installers

-arid repairep employed at small tele-phone companies may perform all ofthe jobs

T (.O.1eiephofie D

/422.381 ) inAtall and remove, tele-phones in hurries and business places.They connect telephones to outsideservice wires and sonletirneS mustclimb poles to these connec-

04-i-asionally especially illt buildings the sigrvice

wires or terminals are in the bast-tnerr of the building in which theitistaltotto Li, removal is being duneTelephone installers are sometimes...Ailed section intullet:,

fek (D O I 8Z2rtorlr. the Norte Juries a, (ciciAllyn4

2,, but they speetalihe in moreetvrnplck telephone system inatkillaburls I t.cy connect Wires hunt ter

to switchboards and maketests to check their iritqllationsSom.- PBX installer.. also act upe tturproent for mobil,: racoon; Itphones, data processing emuipment,and telephone switchboard systtiris

,a,ji0 and television broadcaststhat involve receiving phone callsIron% the audience

0,TTelephdrie repair et.)2 281 ). with the assistart..._ of trou-

ble loators in the central office, lo-cate trouble on customers' equipmeat A repairer rinds the source ofthe problem by convecting a porta,tale telephone to the customer's tele-phone cord and then dial* the trou--

Nature of the WI III every 3 telephone ...tali

fit . rs is d telephone installer 0 I.

hi

ble locatcmr in the central °ince. If theproper connection is made, the prob-1cmlern is in the customer's telephone. Ifa connection cannot be completed,Use problem is in the service line be-tween the phone and the central of-fice, and the repairer repeats this

'procedure at various points along theservice line until the problem ks lo-cated. The repairer then makes thenecessary repairs to restore service

Pitr repairers (D .C) T. 822 281 ),with the assistance of trouble Incators, locate trouble on customers,',PBX, CNTREX, or other complextelephone systems and make the nec-essary repiirs. They also maintain associated equipment such as batteries.relays, and power plants Some PBXrepairers maintain and repair equip

rit for radio and television broad:acts, mobile radiotelephones,data processing equipnient

Training, (Allot Quail Ilicatis.11.end Advioncernnt

I 4IttitiOilit 4tiOltp:6111C3

service workers clas.troorn in .ruc-tltin in subjects 3001 as inatheniaticsand electrical and electronic theoryTranhees Supplement their classroominstruction with on the jot) training

Clitiv1441 teatimes is conducted tn, Oassroorn :.,et ups [flak simulateacivatworking conditions For exam-ple_ telephone installei 1.1.11(lcc3 are11-16thueltd equippedwith teleptiaoe puka lines and ,aties tcrinin4i hose anJ tinselcyan...net-it l he y pi a1,t1, C Ilia {a tliiigtelephones arid cooneLting pelic3 lustas they would on the job Aftei a few*ceksi tAl the altassigned to the field for on the jobtraining sly experlenk t.1 WliOf keISten superviAvrs

Many 5111.411shone compani4s, espctally Anise10,cated in rural in do 1101 havethe as Sliklulatcd lassrooms, necesSary to train their em-ployees Therefole, vocational andtechnical schools may provide t. din-ing for installers and repairers em-ployed by telephone companies inthe area A few instalbs and repairers may enter, apprenticeship prograins conducted jointly by State emplOyrlierit agencies and telephonecompanies, fn these programs ap-prentices receive on-thelob training

It

at the company where they are em-ployed, At the same time, they re-ceive classroom instruction from theState agencies. Generally apprentice-ships last 4 years.

Because telephone wires usuallyare color-coded, applicants prysthave good eyesight no color 61irid-ness..ihysical examinations aresometimes required since the workmay involve strenuous activity suchas climbing poles In addition, appli=cants may have to pass a test designed to determine the applicant'saptitude for the job. Often traineesare chosen from current telephone

company employees, such as opera-tors or line installers.

Telephone service workers contin-ue to receive training throughouttheir careers to qualify for more re-sponsible assignments and to keep upwith technical changes. Those whohave managerial ability can advanceto supervisory jobs.

Em ploy ment-Orrilook

bmployment of tel hone install-em and repairers is ex ected to in-

:,crease about as fast as the averagefor all occupations through the mid-1980's. Most job openings will result

ErripteyMent of telephone Installers will increase most repldly In arose where Usepopulation is growing rpielly,

from employment growth, but manyopenings will arise from the need toreplace workers who retire, die, ortransfer to other occupations. Theseopenings usually are died by work=

from other jobs, suchas operators, service . epresentatives,line installers. or cable splicers, butsome should be available to new em-ployees,

Employment will increase due tothe growing demand for telephoneand PBX and CENTREX systemsEmployment of installers will illcrease most rapidly in areas wherethe population is growing rapidly,thus creatia, large demand fur telephone instlffations Also, areas thathave a large influx or outflow of people, such as those with military basesor colleges nearby, will have a relaLively large demapd for telephone installattous and rinrovals

On the other hand, tc,111./Legi.1improvements may limit the demandfur installers and 1 epalt cis I0( crample, terminal bones antic.i a ti,diber of installations to be connectedat one central location and make etunnecessary for installers tat climbtelephone poles

t aiCOO.difit, ii

,, t , 7 LIIC a , C.. .

8 LiX ,,pditt,13 was .. i

AVC.I tt7ii (C1,014, ie SA , A

aluLalici3 teas 16 /5 Lipant 14_1114k1t7C1 , +I k. rs ilk

all pi ',Litz ilidaati itfshad ay ct i.gc cal 14!IOU

with lengt1terms of a

. i.), i.i)Of SC a I iii,afe. theiajta uiii,ii ,oritiaa ( err

effect in late 19 in ir, rine of thehigher pay scale ,ttic,, I kptiorm installers and repairers d di nod a starsing rate of $4 49 an hour with penodic pay mereases up to a ilia.atmumof Si fr3 an hour after 5 yt ars of serv ice Ins !ICES and 1-CpatliciN are ,ovcred by the same provisions governing overtime pay, vacationsholidays, and other benefits that ap-ply to telephone workers gsmerally.

Telephone installers and repairerswork indoors' and outdoors in allkinds of weather They may workextra hours when breakdowns occurin lines or equipment

(See the statem)int on the tele-phone industry elsewhere in theHandbook for sources of additionalinformation and for general informa-tion on fringe benefits.)

TELEPHONE OPERATORS

Nature of Work

Although millions of telephoneriumbers are dialed directly each day,there arc times when making a callrequires the assistance of a telephoneoperator: Often an operator is need-ed because a caller wants to reverselong distance charges, locate a tele-phone number in another city, Ofknow the cost of a call, Operatorsalso ',ray be needed to contact thepolice or tire department in in emer-gency Ur arrange a conference callfor busin,;ss executives

Providing these service aresoups of felephOlid operatorsoperators who work in telephonecompany central offices probably arethe mot familiar But many businessand !lige orgaiii_Lations receive somarry calls that they also employoperators to Cliff weir private branchea,-hange t PBX) switchboardsSometimes operators place calls byinserting A.1(.1 removing plugs thatmake switchboard connections and

by listening and speaking into theirheadsets. However, many switch-boards, especially those in telephonecompany central offices, are now op-erated by pushbuttons OP dials.

Telephone company operatorsmay be assigned either &s handlelong-distance calls or to give directo-ry assistance. Long-distance opera-tors obtain the information needed tocomplete the call, make the neces-sary connections, and record the.de-taiIN for billing. Directory assistanceoperators (D.O.T. 235,862) look upand provide 'telephone numbers. Ser-vice assistants train and help new op-eqators to complete difficult calls.

PBX operators (D.O.T. 235.862)run switchboards for business officesand other establishments. They con-nect interoffice or house calls, an-swer and relay outside calls, assistcompany drnplOyeseS in making out-going calls, supply information tocallers, and rece-ird charges: In manysmall establishments, PBX operatorswork at switchboards that serve onlya limited nurt?her of telephones.-I hese operators may do other officework such as typing or sorting mailand snafu also at as receptionists orinformation clerks ( flit work of re

cepumnsts is described elsewhere inthe Handbook.)

Adak".

7

V

Dadra peak calling periods, the pace at thr avrltchboani nisy.ba very hectic.

19

Place. of Employment Employment OutlookAbout 340,000 telephone opera=

tors were emplvered in 1976 Morethan one-half worked as PBX opera-tors in manufacturing plants, hospi-tals. department stores, or businesses The remainder worked intelephone companies. About one-fourth of all operators work orrly parttime.

Both telephone company and PBXoperators are concentrated in heavilypopulated area Nearly onti, fifthwork in the New York, Chicago, ,,nilLos Angeles metropolitan areas.

Training, Other Qualifications,end Advancement

Persons planning to bectilik LCie

phone operators should like to servethe public, he pleasant and courieous, and not mind sitting at o switehhoard for Iriog pctl,,ds A elerte ,.lidpleasing voice end good hearing alsoare important 191,nly telephone 1,, 0111panties and IniNincs,N limn, requite p

plhe is meluding ripe raters to pas,,physi al examinations. High schoolcourse in speech offiee 'practicesand ho. ness moth 0 ov Icb., a helptirlbackground for pm sons ate rested inthis oeeupation

New opeiato,it,b how tk, ilif,C .oe 4,11.).1 et erdkeep IG0,1 th of , alb (trice tile) I atelearned the pii,.._conic they peltthrough pia, L1.-.Y. s-cyllS. I 14E1 Yi trolland prat 'tee usually last !loll' 1 t,., 3weeks t)[....pos t.l. en ..re ...,,i6no Li

F

regelar cieerater job., 61).1 ic,c. I vctin itiCi InNti 1=1,i14311 11.111 L41=1.1,1

PBX "'per ohms ho handle lk,14(111,.16 11,4y have- ,,k,111CYi 1141. ,+111,1 Lc(

training pc nod it-1W Lcpiny operalers In large tersirieseesan instruelor twin the Ito-al telephone compaey may ti eer ire, ernployce4

EXPel1Q11,==.4 *.-operators may L4: pe olnotc.,1 to hops_,visory WON o, te. .lett 1,11o0Cupot100, h 45 51-,A,711)bookkeeper they also may have ,fieopportunity to advam:e to jobs astelephone croft workers such aNphone installers and repaireis PBXoperators in large firms may ad, raneeto more responsible dm teal positions,however, in many small business, opportunities for advanceMent usuallyare very limited

Employment of telephone andPE3Xaeperators as a group is expectedto decline slightly through the- mid-1980's. Nevertheless, thousands offull-time and part-time workers willhe hired each year to replace experi-enced operators who die, retire, orstop working for other reasons Manyother openingeeetill result from theneed to replace Operators who ad-vance to other occupations

ni ploy mcnt of telephone ...,inpa11, repel ators is expected to declinemore than employment. of PBX op-erate' As inure telephone compariles stilt t charging customers for dimetal y NSNIMAnCe and informationcalls, more people will dial numbers.111.L.-ily and Libc telephone direetories to lt,valc unknown numbers thusreducing the need for operatorsAlso tectimitogical improvementswill Inuit the employment of operators Fe' esomple, rrebre telephone

cuir.i.allrt.. arc installing electronicswitching srstei,is in their central of-fires, thus reducing the need for

.aenehing of calls In and,teiti teethe service. position systemsale Lcing added. which autornabcallytve,1 data about each tele4hone eonfie:error) such aL the lengtft-and Lostof Lh ei.,11 into computer that prode ses the billing statements, For=

rely tos "'formation was tabulatedby an operator and then tiansferred

111, Est1C-111erli

G i though II.will FEIX 1-Y1,-C!_ employ

eii _ill growth bXP operators willlie 111,111.Cti as many large businessescue, =i it tea Central texeihaege titeEN

CEN-FREX, incomingand ,olls can be dialed di1 .achy without an OPC1ati,r'S 4$51S1a lie..

1/1/

Cos.dlikn.,,,1111JOIly A.

ig averaged $3 7i an hoar in19/5, expel renced ooerae rs

9.,0, se i vies aseirrtante 35 92, eedsurer visors or ehief operators, 5/5 63

ets between unions and tele-phoue cornpanies generally providefor periodic pay increases and extrapay fur work on evenings Sundays,and holidays

Most telephone company and PBXoperators work between 35 and 40hours a week. Often, their scheduledhours are the same as those of otheroffice clerical workers. In telephonecompanies, however, and in hotels,hospitals, and other places wheretelephone service is needed on a 24-hour basis, operators work on shiftsand on holidays and weekends. Someoperators work split shiftsthat is,they are on duty during the peakcalling periods in the late morning,and early evening, and have time offbetween these two periods.

Operators usually work in well.lighted and pleasant surroundings.The job of a telephone operator doesnot require any physical exertion.however, during the peak calling pe-riods in the late morning and lateafternoon, the pace at the switch=board may be very hectic Often op-erators are unable to leave their seatsduring these periods.

Insuranee, pension programs,Jays, vacations, and other fringebenefits are much the same as thosefor other types of clerical employees.Pot specific information about fringebenefits for telephone company op-erators, see the statement on the tele-phone induktry elsewhere in the

Many Opeintola 6inpiriyeJ 1,1yphone companies are members of theCunimunteations Workers of Amer--lea. the International Brotherhood ofPie-weal Workers, and the -Fete4 ; .nude um.. o Int el nat lo nalLimon

A ridlliumealrma (Ion

. Jcp 114.11 t.amics, contact the telecompany in your coatrnunity

or local offices of the unions thatkCprCSelai iC1C1311011C workers Forgeneral intormation (In .telephone op-erate' jobs write to: u,

p o Box 5462, Hamden. Conn 0651 8

c Sip Lad In...iepenclent Telephone AI,S.41&hart. 1801 K Si NW., Suite 1201. Wash-ington_ D.c 20006

L.,,antiana1 hilt.thcrhok,la ur Eleetties1 caulkere 1200 15th St NW waehingion, D20005

WvYAinia20 rinfniNG oma 1fT7 Q--,241)-425