Underground Residential Distribution School

May 5-7, 2026

Registration deadline is April 20

This course is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training; and is part of the AIEC “Illinois Rural Electric Apprenticeship Program”.  This course is recommended for first year IREAP apprentices.

NOTE:  The Spring URD School does not include Trenching and shoring/Competent Person training.
The Fall URD School includes Trenching and Shoring/Competent Person training, which is a requirement for IREAP.

Hands-on Training will Include

• Demonstrate fault-locating techniques for primary and secondary cables
• Demonstrate proper splicing of URD cable
• Describe switching procedures used in underground installations and describe proper maintenance procedures for use with pad mount transformers

School Details

• ***NEW this is now a 3-day School | Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm | Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Participants are responsible for their own meals. One hour will be allowed for lunch each day. 
• We recommend each student bring their own water jug.

Required Participant Equipment and Tools:

• Boots with a heel, suitable for climbing
• Pair of lineman's climbers, including all pads and straps
• Properly fitting lineman's belt and fall restraint equipped with a tool pouch and nut and bolt bag
• Hard hat
• Safety glasses (clear or dark)
• Long-sleeved shirt for climbing
• Leather work gloves
• Tools—side cutting pliers, skinning knife, folding wood ruler, screwdriver (6" blade minimum), hammer (claw or ballpeen), 12" adjustable wrench.
• Wet and cold weather clothing for outside activities

Accommodations

Please use the list of AIEC hotels to make a reservation at the hotel of your liking.  It includes several hotels nearby that offer AIEC special rates.  View AIEC Hotel Rates

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made prior to the registration deadline will be not be charged. Cancellations made after the registration deadline, but within 48 hours of the school will be charged at 50%. Cancellations thereafter/no shows will be charged the full school amount. Substitutions are allowed.