Gas Utility Construction and Service - Technical Diploma
Highly skilled professionals in the utilities industry are needed to install, maintain, and operate natural gas distribution systems used to supply residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Typical careers in this field include gas distribution worker, gas service person, gas meter and regulation mechanic, gas clerk-estimator, gas inspector, gas appliance repair mechanic, underground facilities locator, pipeline welder, pipe layer, and equipment operator. This program runs on an alternate schedule, beginning with the summer semester.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.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.
- Students should have mastered basic math skills. For a description of basic math, see the Basic Education section of this 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 Gas Utility Construction and Service technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
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
- Install gas piping for natural and propane gases
- Adhere to OSHA Safety procedures
- Maintain gas distribution systems
- Service gas appliance
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 87% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:
- Gas Construction Mechanic: installs and maintains gas distribution and transmission pipelines using trenching, backhoe, underground road boring, plastic fusion, welding, mapping, and record keeping skills.
- Gas Meter Mechanic: installs, repairs, and maintains electronic and mechanical gas metering equipment.
- Gas Service Mechanic: installs and maintains residential, commercial, and industrial gas piping, valving, pressure regulating, and overpressure protective equipment.
- Gas Clerk-Estimator: develops specifications and related maps and records used in installing and maintaining gas distribution facilities. Records of this type are manual but are moving towards computer emphasis.
- Gas Regulator Maintenance Mechanic: installs and maintains high pressure gas regulating, measuring, odorizing, heating, filtering, valving, and piping systems; electronically and mechanically operated equipment are involved.
- Gas Appliance Repair Mechanic: maintains and troubleshoots residential and/or commercial gas appliances and heating/cooling equipment.
- Underground Facilities Locator: locates and marks all underground facilities prior to excavation using various locating equipment.
- Pipe Fuser is responsible for handling and fusing pipe and ensuring every fuse on the job is 100% correct.
- Gas Utility Technical Trainer Provide learning events that build student knowledge and skill with a primary focus on natural gas.
- Directional Drill operator/locator are responsible for running a variety of directional drilling equipment in a safe manner. Knowing and understanding Dig Safe laws and trenchless technology.
- Gas Utility Sales Rep provide needed materials/parts to Gas Utilities and contractors.
- Engineer/Designer will perform detailed design of gas distribution systems. This work includes field engineering; completing applicable design calculations; preparation of installation drawings and specifications/notes for utility crews or third-party contractors; development of bills of materials and procurement documents.
Employment opportunities with additional education
- Construction Crew Foreman
- Corrosion Technician
- Meter and Regulator Technician
- Utility Locating Supervisor
- Pipeline Welder
- Vendor Sales and Marketing
What else do I need to know about the program?
Industry Credentials
Students receive a certificate from the Midwest Energy Association. This certificate is recognized throughout the United States.
Students also receive selected Pipeline Operator qualifications as mandated by the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety.
- 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.