Apr 24, 2024  
2022-2023 Course Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Electric Utility Technology, Diploma


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The Electric Utility program is dedicated to offering students the practical experience, targeted curriculum, and focused training to become a highly skilled apprentice in the electrical utility industry. This program will provide detailed attention to all phases of the industry using supervised learning combined with related instruction. Students will meet employers with strong industry connections who hire apprentices. This program may provide hours and skills that could be applied to industry apprenticeships. Successful completion of the program may result in credit being applied to a formal apprenticeship which could reduce time to achieve journey level status.

For more information about the Electric Utility program, please visit our website at https://www.dmacc.edu/programs/electricalutility

Program Details


Locations: Ankeny


Students may start this program Fall semester


Program Graduation Requirements


To earn an Electric Utility Technology, Diploma, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 48


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$178.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs



Semester 1Semester 2Semester 3
Books (approximate)600600400
Supplies2000

Approximate total cost for the program: 12,144**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.


What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Install, operate and maintain both overhead and underground electric installations (distribution and transmission voltages)
  • Perform work activities in substations such as: switching, interpreting relay targets, amp readings, voltage readings, breaker/recloser count or values, etc.
  • Conduct routine inspections of overhead, underground and substation installations  
  • Work on energized lines and equipment (using rubber gloves, sleeves and/or live line tools)
  • Operate bucket trucks, digger derricks, trenchers and other similar types of construction equipment
  • Drive work vehicles to job sites
  • Follow safety standards and procedures

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Color vision. Workers who handle electrical wires and cables must distinguish colors because the wires and cables are often color coded
  • Mechanical skills. Line installers and repairers must have the knowledge and skills to repair or replace complex electrical and telecommunications lines and equipment.
  • Physical stamina. Line installers and repairers often must climb poles and work at great heights with heavy tools and equipment. Therefore, installers and repairers need to work for long periods without tiring easily.
  • Physical strength. Line installers and repairers must be strong enough to lift heavy tools, cables, and equipment on a regular basis.
  • Teamwork. Because workers often rely on their fellow crew members for their safety, teamwork is critical.
  • Technical skills. Line installers use sophisticated diagnostic equipment on circuit breakers, switches, and transformers. They must be familiar with electrical systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them.
  • Troubleshooting skills. Line installers and repairers must diagnose problems in increasingly complex electrical systems and telecommunication lines.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


Electrical line installers and repairers often must complete apprenticeships or other employer training programs. These programs, which can last up to 3 years, combine on-the-job training with technical instruction and are sometimes administered jointly by the employer and the union representing the workers. This position is subject to random drug testing. A Class A Commercial Driver’s License is required my many employers. This position will be required to work in adverse weather conditions.

Program Competencies


  1. Operate equipment safely
  2. Identify hazards associated with work
  3. Recognize components of an electric system
  4. Demonstrate working safely using appropriate PPE
  5. Troubleshoot deficiencies in electrical systems
  6. Maintain electrical systems equipment
  7. Summarize key components of electric transmission and distribution systems

AY2022

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/admissions/Pages/checklist.aspx.(2021)

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