Power Line Construction & Maintenance, Diploma
Mitchell Tech 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 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, 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 line worker training. Line work is extremely challenging as the type of projects, conditions and work locations change frequently. Lineworkers perform tasks in an outdoor environment subjected to various weather conditions such as extreme heat or in freezing temperatures in the rain, sleet, wind and snow. The work is done in 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 in this program may combine one year of Power Line Construction and Maintenance with one year of GPS/GIS Mapping Technology; Heating and Cooling Technology; or Natural Gas Technology, and with additional general education courses, will earn an AAS degree.
Students are expected to conform to Rules for Programs with Required Drug and Alcohol Testing while enrolled in this program. 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.
Zero Tolerance in this program: The Power Line Construction & Maintenance program at Mitchell Tech is a zero-tolerance program regarding a positive drug test. If the results of a positive drug test are confirmed by a medical review officer and are not the result of medication currently prescribed to the student, the student will be dismissed from the program. The zero-tolerance policy is consistent with industry standards and is recommended by industry.
Please Note: Students planning to obtain an AAS degree in Utilities Technology MUST complete the CDL requirement during their first year of enrollment.
Note: Students are required to use a laptop or notebook computer for this program. Students may purchase a laptop from Mitchell Tech or bring their own device that meets Mitchell Tech specifications.
Note: 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.
Award: One-Year Diploma
First Semester
Second Semester
| PL 120 | Transformers Connections | 3 |
| PL 143 | Power Grid Design II | 3 |
| PL 154 | Maintenance of Underground Lines | 4 |
| PL 156 | Field Training II | 4 |
| PL 172 | Utility Safety II | 1 |
| | Math Elective | 3 |
| | Written Communications Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Total Credits Required to Graduate: 40.5
