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 Geospatial Technologies, Heating & Cooling Technology or Natural Gas Technology and the required AAS general education courses.
Curriculum
Award: Diploma
First Semester
This course provides an introduction to the essential principles of GPS, including GPS corrections, satellite constellations, navigation techniques, and their widespread applications in different sectors. Students will engage in practical, hands-on training, learning a variety of data collection methods using tablets, GPS devices, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) devices. This hands-on approach ensures that participants not only understand the theoretical underpinnings of GPS technology but also gain proficiency in using these tools effectively for real-world applications.
1 creditBasic electricity as it applies to high voltage lines. The student learns to apply Ohm’s Law for DC circuits. The student learns basic generation and the effects of inductance and capacitance in the AC circuit.
2 creditsFundamental theory of high voltage power grid systems. The generating systems, transmission, subtransmission, distribution and service are studied.
2 creditsBasic theory and design for the installation and construction of a high voltage overhead system. Installation and construction of an actual overhead system will be part of a lab project.
4 creditsBasic theory and design for the installation and construction of a high voltage underground system. Installing and constructing an actual underground system will be part of a lab project.
4 creditsThis course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Students must complete the hands-on skill session. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course.
0.5 creditsAn overview of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards focusing on hazard recognition and injury and illness prevention. The 10-hour construction program is intended to provide entry-level construction workers with awareness of hazards in and around the construction work site. Emphasis is placed on recognition and prevention and helps create a culture of safety. Upon successful completion the student will receive OSHA 10 certification.
1 creditProvides a foundation for gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for college success. Students will learn to make a successful transition to higher education by setting up a pattern of success that will last the rest of their lives. Students will define goals and develop thinking skills, learning strategies and personal qualities essential to both academic and career success. Please note: Students who have served active military duty (excluding basic training and AIT) may be exempt from the Student Success course. Student must provide a copy of DD214 or other official military documentation to the registrar for verification.
1 creditInstruction in commercial transportation. Opportunities are provided for obtaining a Class A commercial drivers license. Arrangements are made for taking the test(s) required by the state. A Class A CDL is a requirement for graduation from several programs. A valid South Dakota driver’s license is required in order to complete the CDL training course. For students enrolling in a two-year program, this course must be completed by the end of their first year. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course. Please note: Students are required to show proof of a valid Class A CDL by the end of the 10th day of the semester in which the student is enrolled in order to drop this class.
1 creditSecond Semester
Application of electrical formulas to practical circuits. Problems such as series and parallel circuits, solving for inductive and capacitive reactance, impedance, apparent, real and reactive power and power factor are common. Transformer, regulator, capacitor and metering applications are covered in detail in this course.
2 creditsContinuation of PL 141.
2 creditsSystem protection, sectionalizing and grounding procedures and basic fault procedures on underground low and high voltage lines.
4 creditsFundamental operation and maintenance of overhead distribution and transmission lines. Hands-on application will be utilized by operating and maintaining the lines built as part of PL 150.
4 creditsRequirements
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
- Explain and apply Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations for power line workers
- 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 2023-24 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.
Faculty
Instructor
Instructor
Program Director / Instructor
Instructor
Instructor
Instructor
Cost
Other Required Costs
CDL | $1,050 |
Books / Tools (estimated) | $3,658 |
Scholarships
$1000
8 AVAIL.
Otter Tail Power Company
Otter Tail Power Company Foundation
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
$750
1 AVAIL.
SD Municipal Electric Association Energy Production & Transmission Scholarship
SD Municipal Electric Association
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
$500
2 AVAIL.
Central Electric Cooperative Scholarship
Central Electric Cooperative
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Heating & Cooling
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
$1000
7 AVAIL.
Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Natural Gas Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology
$1000
1 AVAIL.
South Dakota Assoc. of Cooperatives Scholarship
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Business Management
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
$1000
4 AVAIL.
Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology