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.
Delivery
Explore Locations
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $6,473, Books: $435, Supplies: $3,300
This program is partially eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=314132
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 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
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.
Course Descriptions
Students gain skills that lead to success in college and employment. This course encourages students to develop a growth mindset and make wise choices. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge and skills to apply the concepts of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, measurement, proportions, and percent to their career. No prerequisites needed.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course introduces students to a career as a line electrician. Students will learn pole climbing techniques, operate digger derrick trucks and bucket trucks, design and construction of single phase power distribution systems. CPR and First Aid certifications are received in this course.
Course Typically Offered: SummerBasic electricity: fundamental laws and circuit analysis. (Prerequisites: Accepted into Electrical Power Distribution)
Course Typically Offered: SummerThis course introduces students to industry safety manuals, rules, and definitions. Students will also learn safety procedures for hand and power tool use, ladders, scaffolds, pole climbing, digger derrick trucks, bucket trucks and work zone safety and setup. Students will perform related accident reviews. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Electrical Power Distribution; Corequisite: 10-804-312, Math-Algebra Trades)
Course Typically Offered: SummerThis course is designed to prepare students for the Wisconsin Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) pre-trip inspection. Preparation will also be given for taking the State DOT written test including general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Gas Utility Construction & Service, Electrical Power Distribution, or Telecommunications programs)
Course Typically Offered: SummerThis course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge and skills to apply the concepts of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to their career. (Pre-requisite: Completion of 31-804-304 Vocational Math A with a "C" or better)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course teaches students distribution standards for overhead, underground, primary, secondary, clearances, code requirements, map/diagram reading and safe work practices.
Course Typically Offered: FallThis course focuses on the installation of underground lines and equipment, underground troubleshooting, and trencher operation. Students will also learn the construction and design of single phase transformers. (Prerequisite: 31-413-330, Line Electrician Field Training 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallProvides students opportunities to develop and refine oral and written communication skills relevant to employment in the utility fields. This practical approach to communication includes creation of job-seeking documents, as well as practice and development of teamwork skills and conflict management strategies. Additionally, students will have opportunities to improve oral presentation skills in a variety of job-appropriate contexts. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater; Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 237 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 15 AND English score greater/equal to 16 or 10-838-105, Intro to Reading & Study Skills with "B" or better).
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course provides an introduction to overhead three phase construction, electrical power line equipment; capacitors, regulators and OCR's, three phase transformer design and construction, protective grounds and pole top and buck truck rescue techniques. (Corequisite: 31-413-336, Line Electrician Field Training 2)
Course Typically Offered: FallStudents will learn safety procedures in underground systems, trencher operation, single phase transformers, overhead three phase construction, electrical power line equipment; capacitor, regulators and OCR's, three phase transformer design and construction, protective grounds and pole top and buck truck rescue techniques. Students will perform related accident reviews. (Prerequisite: 31-413-362, Line Electrician-Safety 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallElectric power/energy, three-phase voltage generation, three-phase circuit power, transformer operation principles, transformer connections, and safety practices in high voltage applications. (Prerequisite: 31-413-353, Electricity-Basic)
Course Typically Offered: FallThis course provides training in transmission, substation operations and maintenance, customer metering, low voltage construction, street lighting, and use of tree trimming methods and tools. (Prerequisite: 31-413-337, Line Electrician Field Training 3)
Course Typically Offered: SpringThis course provides safety procedures in transmission, substation, metering, low voltage construction, and tree trimming methods and tools. Students will also perform related accident reviews. (Prerequisite: 31-413-364 Line Electrician-Safety 2)
Course Typically Offered: SpringBasics of a computer system, computer terminology, the Microsoft Windows environment, file management, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
Course Typically Offered: Fall