Electrical Power Distribution - Technical Diploma
Qualified line technicians are needed to install, maintain, and operate the complex network of power lines and cables that supply electric energy to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Electrical Power Distribution prepares students with classroom and hands-on training in all phases of power line construction and maintenance. Students must be willing to work in a diverse work environment in all weather conditions and be comfortable at heights. This program runs on an alternate schedule, beginning with the summer semester.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $6,585, Books: $693, Supplies: $3,125
This program is partially eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Explore Locations
Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit the following to transcripts@nwtc.edu: • High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript). • College transcript.
- Be able to obtain a commercial driver’s license.
- Must be able to pass pre-program drug screening as well as random drug & alcohol screenings throughout the program.
- Place satisfactorily in the NWTC mathematics examination. Students should have mastered basic math skills. For a description of Basic Math, see the Basic Education section of catalog.
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation. Must be able to obtain a commercial driver’s license.
Program Availability
A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more about program waitlists.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Electrical Power Distribution technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 1
- Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.
- This program runs on an alternate schedule, beginning in June and ending in March.
Program Outcomes
- Utilize relevant personal protective equipment to safely perform specific work
- Apply electrical theory to electric power systems
- Communicate technical information
- Identify sub-station components
- Work comfortably at heights
- Climb poles and towers
- Operate electrical power equipment
- Assist in basic meter reading and testing of meter base
- Assist in the construction/maintenance/disassembly of overhead electrical distribution systems
- Assist in the construction/maintenance/disassembly underground electrical distribution systems
- Assist in the construction/maintenance/disassembly of electric transmission systems
- Assist in troubleshooting and maintaining power distribution and transmission systems
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 87% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC 2020 Grad Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of the program will have the potential for employment as a Line Technician, Lead Line Technician, Line Technician Supervisor, Cable TV Line Technician, Telephone Line Technician, Technician in an Electricity Generating Plant, or Installer/Maintainer of Underground Systems. Graduates in those jobs will perform construction, operations, and maintenance work on the electric power system and equipment.
Employment opportunities with additional education
- Line Coordinator
- Line Apprentice
- Safety Advisor
- Distribution Construction Designer
- Distribution Dispatcher
- Substation Electrician
What else do I need to know about the program?
Note
- Willingness to relocate may be an advantage for job opportunities.
- A clean driving record is required to obtain a CDL license.
- Online
-
Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.