Electric Utility Technology (PSI Program), A.A.S.

Dean Kari Coffindaffer, Electric Utility Technology Program Coordinator
(304)367-4638
kcoffindaffer1@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

Electric Utility Technology (also known as the Power Systems Institute [PSI]) is a cooperative program with FirstEnergy. Academic courses are offered through Pierpont Community and Technical College and technical courses are offered through FirstEnergy. The curriculum provides students with a variety of educational activities and experiences that will prepare them for mid-level positions in the electric utility industry as line workers or substation workers.

Program Admissions

Electric Utility Technology is a selective program. Successful candidates must complete the following academic and technical standards:

• First-time students must be admitted to Pierpont Community and Technical College. High school transcripts or High School Equivalency Exam documents must be on file with Pierpont by August 1.
• Transfer students must be admitted to Pierpont Community and Technical College and submit official transcripts from other institutions.
• All students must be academically eligible for the college level Math and English. Students may also use COMPASS or ACCUPLACER test results from the past two years or ACT scores from the past five years. Students must score a 76+ on Elementary Algebra, 88+ on English Sentence Skills and a Reading Comprehension score of 79+. Placement testing must be completed by May 1.
• All students must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• All students must successfully pass a background screening for criminal and driving records conducted by FirstEnergy.
• All students must successfully pass a physical capabilities test administered by FirstEnergy.
• All students must pass a Department of Transportation CDL physical and provide a copy of the Medical Examiners Certificate to FirstEnergy.
• All students must meet all hands-on training requirements as part of FirstEnergy’s selection process.
• All students must complete an interview with FirstEnergy.
• This program does not support part-time attendance.
• Note: Students who have scored at Level 3 or higher on the State of WV ELA and Math tests their junior year of high school may enroll in traditional 3-credit classes regardless of their ACT scores.

In addition to the current criteria, the due date for the application and FirstEnergy release form is March 1st.  At the conclusion of the admissions process, FirstEnergy makes the final admissions selection.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate the skills, professional values, and ethics necessary to function in a line worker or substation worker position in the electric utility industry
• Demonstrate effective communication with customers and co-workers
• Demonstrate the ability to perform basic mechanical, electrical, and construction activities to support an electrical distribution system
• Implement safe work practices during all on-the-job and off-the-job activities

Opportunities

Graduates of the Electric Utility Technology program may accept positions such as: electric utility line worker, lineman, cableman, electrical utility foreman, electrical line supervisor, electrical line contractor, electric substation technician.