Overview
careers
Apprentice Lineman
Distribution Engineer
Utility Assistant
Mitchell Technical College offers the only Power Line program in South Dakota. Employment opportunities are available with rural electric cooperatives, municipal and private utility companies, the Bureau of Reclamation, private contractors and many others. Course material and lab activities are based around the application and theory of distribution and transmission of electrical power. Fieldwork includes operating a digger derrick truck, setting poles, climbing poles, installing anchors and stringing conductors. Outside lab also involves installation of transformers and metering for overhead and underground distribution systems.
Physical fitness is an important part of the job of an electrical line worker. A careful, detail-oriented personality is also a good quality to possess since individuals will be working with high voltage, often in dangerous situations and bad weather conditions; safety is a major element of lineworker training. Line work is extremely challenging as the type of projects, conditions and work locations change frequently. Lineworkers perform tasks in an outdoor environment subject to varying weather conditions such as extreme heat or with freezing temperatures in rain, sleet, wind or snow. The work is done on both overhead and underground lines with the overhead work typically done at heights more than 25 feet above the ground. Lineworkers are often on call at any hour to restore power.
Students who wish to obtain an AAS degree in Utilities Technology may complete this curriculum and the curriculum from Drone Aviation & Geospatial Technologies, or Heating & Cooling Technology and the required AAS general education courses.
Curriculum
Award: Diploma
First Semester
Second Semester
Requirements
Drug/Alcohol Testing Requirements
Students are expected to conform to Rules for Programs with Required Drug and Alcohol Testing while enrolled in this program. See the MTC Catalog and Student Handbook for details. Any student who enrolls in Commercial Driver training must obtain a South Dakota driver’s license in order to complete the CDL training course. A Class A CDL is a graduation requirement for this program. See the Course Description for TRAN 100 for a full explanation.
Please Note: Students planning to obtain an AAS degree in Utilities Technology MUST complete the CDL requirement during their first year of enrollment.
Physical Requirements
Mitchell Tech recommends that applicants in the Power Line Construction & Maintenance program obtain a physical examination for their safety and protection. Applicants to this program need to be able to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling of heavy materials.
Computer Requirements
This program allows you to bring your own laptop as long as it meets these minimum specifications:
Processor – Intel Core i Series (i3, i5, i7) or AMD Ryzen
Operating System – Windows 10
Webcam Recommended
Memory – 4 GB or more
Internal Storage – 64 GB or more
Microsoft Office is available at no charge as long as enrolled at Mitchell Tech
NO APPLE/MAC COMPUTERS
Outcomes
At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Exhibit safe work habits and an understanding of power line safety guidelines
- Identify and describe terminations on a U.R.D. cable
- Demonstrate proficiency in climbing skills
- Explain basic electrical principles
- Explain the power grid and power delivery system
- Demonstrate skills in overhead construction according to Rural Electrification Administration (REA) standards
- Demonstrate skills in underground construction according to Rural Electrification Administration (REA) standards
- Demonstrate competence in transformer connections and three-phase banks
Annual Program Review
Check out the 2025-26 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.
Faculty
Instructor
Instructor
Instructor
Instructor
Program Coordinator / Instructor
Cost
Other Required Costs
CDL $1,500
Books / Tools (estimated) $3,931
Scholarships
Mitchell Tech offers a variety of scholarships to qualified applicants. The application period runs from October 1 through November 1 for current students and January 1 through March 31 for incoming students.
Other Related Programs
If you’re interested in Power Line Construction & Maintenance, you might also be interested in these other energy production & transmission programs at Mitchell Tech.
Utilities Pipeline Technology
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
