Electrician Technician
Overview
type:
Format:
On-campus
Program Description
The Electrician Technology program at Bismarck State College prepares students for a career as either a residential or an industrial technician. Students receive a hands-on education learning the tasks and skills they’ll need to be successful in the work force. This will include learning to install conduits, run wiring, strip wires, operate a multimeter, and a number of other tasks relevant to the field. Students will learn to read and navigate the National Electrical Code as well as other rules and regulations supplementary to it.
In the second year of the program students are exposed to more advanced industrial equipment and concepts. This includes a familiarization with basic instrumentation, blue-prints, motors, generators, PLCs and other controllers, automation principles and so forth.
The first semester of the program is offered exclusively on-campus. Upon completion of the first year, students may opt to either continue the program on-campus, or seek employment in industry as apprentices and complete their degrees though a combination of online coursework and on-the-job training.
Electricians need mechanical aptitude and the ability to solve problems intuitively. Some knowledge of electricity prior to entering the program is helpful. Students may also benefit from backgrounds in high school algebra, physics and basic computer literacy, plus good reading and interpersonal skills.
Prospective students should be prepared to meet the physical requirements of work in this field. Fear of heights or color blindness may limit the graduate’s employment opportunities. Many employers require entry-level applicants to pass a physical and drug test.
Program Requirements
Students who complete the curriculum requirements receive an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Career Opportunities
The Electrician Technician program prepares graduates who are well suited for careers as an apprentice electrician in either a residential or industrial setting. Graduates may pursue careers as contractors installing, updating and repairing the electrical systems in residential and commercial structures. Graduates are also competent to work in industrial settings like power plants, refineries, manufacturing facilities, food processing facilities and any other similar work environment.
Additional Information
Credits from this program may be applied to BSC’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree (BAS) in Energy Management, offered entirely online. The BAS is designed for individuals interested in supervisory and management positions in the energy industry. The BAS builds on the foundation laid in an AAS degree and includes general education classes, core management courses, and energy-specific management courses.
BSC’s National Energy Center of Excellence was designated as the National Power Plant Operations Technology and Education Center by U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman in 2007. This official designation recognizes BSC as the premier national center of education and training for operators and technicians in the energy industry.