Fringe benefits usually include retirement plans, credit unions, life insurance, paid holidays, vacations, sick leave and medical, vision, and dental group health plans. Some employers have plans to reimburse education costs, such as tuition and books to employees who are taking courses that are relevant to their daily duties. Usually employers look for high school graduate applicants who have taken math, chemistry, and physics courses for their entry level positions. Those with college level courses in the mechanical or technical areas may have an advantage. Good verbal and writing skills are required by most employers.
Most employers start new hires in the helper or laborer jobs in the power plant.
They are usually assigned to other areas of the utility, such as maintenance, so as to familiarize them with the various facets of the company. After a certain training period they may apply for the Power Plant Operator position which is a journey level occupation. Promotion is generally from within the company. All prospective operators are trained in operating and emergency procedures. They must become familiar with the entire plant and understand the interrelation of the various systems involved in steam generation, transportation, and return to the boilers and the function of the fuel and water systems of the boilers and the lubricating oil system.