Electric Utility Technology, AAS

Location: Ankeny

Pathway: Building Trades & Transportation

Program Graduation Requirements: To earn an Electric Utility Technology, AAS, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 75

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?: - Color vision. Workers who handle electrical wires and cables must distinguish colors because the wires and cables are often color coded. - Mechanical skills. Line installers and repairers must have the knowledge and skills to repair or replace complex electrical and telecommunications lines and equipment. - Physical stamina. Line installers and repairers often must climb poles and work at great heights with heavy tools and equipment. Therefore, installers and repairers need to work for long periods without tiring easily. - Physical strength. Line installers and repairers must be strong enough to lift heavy tools, cables, and equipment on a regular basis. - Teamwork. Because workers often rely on their fellow crew members for their safety, teamwork is critical. - Technical skills . Line installers use sophisticated diagnostic equipment on circuit breakers, switches, and transformers. They must be familiar with electrical systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them. - Troubleshooting skills . Line installers and repairers must diagnose problems in increasingly complex electrical systems and telecommunication lines.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?: Electrical line installers and repairers often must complete apprenticeships or other employer training programs. These programs, which can last up to 3 years, combine on-the-job training with technical instruction and are sometimes administered jointly by the employer and the union representing the workers. This position is subject to random drug testing. A Class A Commercial Driver's License is required my many employers. This position will be required to work in adverse weather conditions.

Program Competencies: - Operate equipment safely - Identify hazards associated with work - Recognize components of an electric system - Demonstrate working safely using appropriate PPE - Troubleshoot deficiencies in electrical systems - Maintain electrical systems equipment - Summarize key components of electric transmission and distribution systems - Demonstrate effective conflict resolution skills - Adopt motivational strategies to optimize the performance of employees for the benefit of the organization - Analyze financial and statistical data to support decisions - Interpret the legal aspects of various industries as it relates to a manager's role in an organization