Powerline Construction & Maintenance Technology, AAS

This program provides students with the training to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair distribution, transmission, and rural electric power lines and cables. The student also learns to construct power lines according to Rural Utility Standards (RUS). Upon completion of this program, students have the skills required of an apprentice power line technician for utility providers.

All electives used to fulfill graduation requirements for this degree require pre-approval of the faculty advisor.

Program Outcomes

At the conclusion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in climbing skills including perception of and response to communication cues from pole-top heights and/or in loud settings.
• Demonstrate functional working knowledge electrical theory and concepts as a baseline for efficient and safe work environment conditions.
• Develop safe working habits and skills necessary for an understanding of power line safety guidelines and principles in accordance with the American Public Power Association and OSHA.
• Identify, select, and utilize the appropriate tools, materials, and equipment for the installation, maintenance, and repair of utilities services, following specifications and drawings for construction units.
• Use information and instruction to work cooperatively with groups of individuals to accomplish actual workplace simulations in outdoor settings.

Technical Standards

• Apply information and instruction delivered in a classroom setting to the successful performance of lab tasks to simulate actual workplace settings.
• Demonstrate a functional working knowledge of electrical theory and concepts as a baseline for efficient and safe work environment conditions.
• Follow safety procedures described in the American Public Power Association Safety Handbook.
• Identify, select, and utilize the appropriate tools, materials, and equipment for the installation, maintenance, and repair of Rural Utilities Service (RUS) lines, following specifications and drawings for construction units.
• Identify, select, and utilize the appropriate tools, materials, and equipment for the installation, maintenance, and repair of a variety of electrical equipment such as transformers, reclosers, grounds, disconnect switches, fused cutouts, and other industry-standard devices.
• Inspect equipment and machinery to ensure safe operational condition per established guidelines.
• Operate hand tools, equipment, and machinery common to the power line trade in a safe manner.
• Utilize a hand line to hoist equipment and materials as necessary to elevated positions.
• Operate equipment such as bucket trucks and digger derrick trucks from elevated platforms.
• Read a load lifting chart and safely load, secure, and unload a variety of equipment and materials using a bucket truck and/or digger derrick truck.
• Climb wooden and steel poles to heights of up to 45 feet to perform construction, repair, or coworker rescue maneuvers.
• Perceive and respond to communication cues from pole-top heights and/or in loud environments.
• Work cooperatively with groups of individuals to accomplish physical tasks in outdoor settings.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

AAS.4603 (66 credits)

Students must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits of general education in addition to the Powerline core courses required for the certificate (see below). Students should consult with their academic advisor about how best to incorporate the general education requirements into their academic pathway.

Notes

• Interested students should contact the Admissions Office for current program requirements.
• The following are required for acceptance into the Powerline Construction & Maintenance Technology program: a physical exam; health insurance; valid driver’s license; and purchase of climbing tools and equipment. For specific information regarding these items, prospective students should contact the Admissions Office.
• The Merchant Training Program requires an average of 70% on all unit tests to take the final for that book/semester. Students who do not have a 70% average on these tests will not be allowed to take the Merchant Training Program final for that book/semester.
• To progress to the next book/semester in the Merchant Training Program, students must pass the final for the current book/semester and maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA in UTIL program specific courses. WNCC requires a 2.0 cumulative GPA overall for graduation.
• An internship is required of all students pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate in Powerline Construction & Maintenance Technology.