Electric Distribution Engineering Technology, A.A.S.

Climbing toward your future? Elevate your career options as a line worker! This experiential program will prepare you with the technical skills, knowledge, and safety techniques in this rapidly-growing profession.

Program Overview

The Electric Distribution Engineering Technology program was created through a partnership between Blue Ridge Community and Technical College and Allegheny Energy, providing educational opportunities for a field that has typically been limited to internal apprenticeship opportunities. Through this program, endorsed by the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 102, students will learn the skills necessary to become a lineworker.

The Electric Lineworker program is designed to provide the technical skills required for new utility workers. Traditional academic instruction gives students an understanding of the technology fueling today’s electrical utilities, while hands-on laboratories, such as pole training areas and equipment labs, ensure that students are prepared for the job on day one.

Students seeking a fast-track to employment may enroll in the Electric Lineworker Certificate Program, which provides the fundamental skills required for employment in the electric utility field. Those seeking specific technical knowledge with a broader understanding of the electrical utility environment can pursue an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Both programs are taught by highly trained and credentialed faculty and include technical modules, hands-on laboratories, equipment training, and paid internships.

Students in the Electric Distribution Engineering Technology program are subject to Blue Ridge Community and Technical College’s requirements for admission, informed consent form, basic skills testing, and appropriate course placement, including developmental education courses, which may not count toward completion of the program. Blue Ridge CTC requirements regarding academic standards, student conduct, and graduation procedures also apply.

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate professionalism (clean and complete uniform, on time, positive attitude, respectful).
• Conduct thorough pre-job briefings including hazard recognition.
• Identify safety equipment.
• Practice teambuilding and effective communication.
• Identify and describe procedures for safely operating a bucket truck and digger derrick.
• Identify and demonstrate procedures for safely climbing poles.
• Identify electrical distribution materials, tools, equipment, and activities.
• Demonstrate how to safely auger a hole and erect a wooden utility pole.
• Understand basic electrical theory as it relates to power distribution (single phase and 3 phase AC circuits, transformers, and conductors).
• Demonstrate the ability to correctly read and interpret power systems layout drawings.

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to enter into a career as a line worker. Students graduating with this degree have a 99% hire rate and earn an average income of $30,000 to $50,000 per year.

Note: All salary estimations are based on the current position and educational trends. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College cannot guarantee that the projections given will be the salaries students or graduates will ultimately receive.