Applied Process Technology, Energy Systems Operations Concentration, A.A.S.

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Doug Furr, Coordinator
215B Advanced Technology Center, Fairmont / (304) 367-4911
dfurr1@pierpont.edu

Program Description

This program is designed to meet the needs of local and regional power producers, natural gas midstream and downstream operations, chemical operators, and manufacturing facilities. The program covers a broad spectrum technology including electrical circuits and machinery, mechanical fundamentals, hydraulics, pneumatics, process systems and components fundamentals, plant operations and instrumentation and controls. Students’ progress through a set of core general education and technical courses and will select one of three career paths that cover skills unique to each path which include Energy Systems Operations, Instrumentation and Controls, or Advanced Manufacturing. Students may elect to complete multiple career paths within the two-year time frame or in one additional semester. The program offers paid internships on a competitive basis.

Program Outcomes

Pierpont Community & Technical College’s motto of “Practical, Possible, Pierpont” focuses on creating practical learning experiences, while increasing employment opportunities for our graduates. By incorporating mathematics, physics, communication skills, computer technology, professional and industry safety standards to real-life learning experiences, graduates of this program will become successful entry level power plant or petroleum plant operators, instrument technicians or technicians at manufacturing facilities.

Upon successful completion of the Applied Process Technology A.A.S. degree program, graduates will be able to:

Use written and spoken English effectively and professionally
Use a computer to perform work-specific duties.
Apply mathematics and physics as a means of solving problems in the work environment.
Apply appropriate safety precautions when working with various tools, machinery, or processes
Interpret schematic drawings of, use appropriate measuring devices for, and demonstrate the ability to perform basic troubleshooting of fluid and electrical systems
Perform mid-level and routine duties as a plant operator, instrument and controls technician or a manufacturing technician, depending on the career path chosen
Operate hand and power tools to repair electrical and mechanical systems.
Demonstrate behaviors that reflect and support diversity in the workplace and skills that enable lifelong learning
Demonstrate basic workplace skills and responsibilities, including punctuality, etiquette and courtesy, and teamwork

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Applied Technology Program may accept operations, maintenance, instrumentation and controls or other technically oriented positions in the electrical power generating industry, petroleum, or chemical processing industries or accept positions within the manufacturing industry. Graduates may also find placement in water treatment facilities, or other industrial facilities that use components and systems taught in this curriculum.

The electrical power industry, as a whole, projects that approximately 50% of their workforce will be retiring in the next 3-5 years. Conservatively, this equates to approximately 150-200 jobs at local power generating facilities, which should become available within in that time frame. The natural gas processing industry is rapidly growing in West Virginia and many positions are currently available in this industry.

Professions within this sector are among the highest paying, and most stable professions in the country. The average starting wage within this sector ranges from approximately $40,000-$60,000 per year. It is not uncommon for individuals to progress through the ranks and make $80,000 - $100,000 per year within their first 3-5 years of employment.

Program Assessment

Written exams, homework assignments, written reports and oral presentations will be used to assess course and program cognitive outcomes. Lab exercises and evaluations, simulator evaluations, and troubleshooting exercises will be used to evaluate performance objectives.

Admission Requirements

Students are accepted into this program on a competitive basis based on instructor approval and within class size limitations.

Required Courses Applied Process Technology 60 SEM. HRS.

General Education Core Courses 15 SEM. HRS.

An additional three (3) hours of general education credits is provided to each career track through MTH 1204 (previously MATH 1004) and OFAD 1150 as noted in the Program Model Schedules.