Powerline

Powerline

Powerline General Info

Powerline installers construct and maintain electrical overhead and underground powerlines in this challenging out-of-doors career. As a student, you receive training in a 40-acre outdoor laboratory as well as in the classroom. You learn to climb, set, and remove various sized poles; frame structures; install conductors and street lights; install underground cable; trim trees; and operate trucks along with various equipment. In conjunction with the hands-on experience, you learn about electrical concepts and theory, construction techniques, transmission and distribution systems, safety, materials, and hardware. In addition, you learn communication skills and earn a First Aid Certificate. You also have the opportunity to earn a Class A Commercial Driver’s License.

Before entering this exciting program, you should consider whether you meet the general occupational and program work requirements: lift at least 80 pounds; have manipulative skills to work in awkward positions to accomplish tasks; be able to handle strenuous activities such as pulling, climbing, walking, carrying, or standing for extended periods of time; work in any weather conditions safely including inclement weather and extremely hot and cold temperatures; be able to work in elevated positions and ascend and descend from various heights; meet manufacturer’s weight limit restrictions for various pieces of equipment (300 pound maximum weight); be physically and mentally able to operate standard industry equipment such as a bucket truck, digger derrick truck and various other light to medium equipment; be able to constantly monitor radio transmissions and communicate effectively to exchange ideas over a two-way radio/cellphone; work in a team environment and be able to communicate effectively with other students in various locations of the powerline field, lab and classroom; and be able to hear engine RPM, faint arcing sounds, and transformer humming to determine the status of equipment. In addition, incoming students will be required to pass and provide proof of a basic/sports physical within nine months of the start date of the program.

Powerline work is safety sensitive so you are required to submit to a drug and alcohol screening in your first term of the program. You are required to comply with the College’s Student Procedure for Drug & Alcohol Testing. You are also subject to a random selection program while enrolled in the program. This testing is similar to what is done in industry.

Graduates of the Powerline program are in demand by electrical utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and construction companies. The employment opportunities for powerline installers are excellent across the country, and those applicants with formal training typically have higher starting salaries and great opportunity for advancement within the industry.

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THIS PROGRAM QUALIFIES. Iowa needs people like you to fill exciting jobs in growing industries. To help keep Iowa moving forward, you can get free tuition for programs that lead to high-demand jobs and good-paying careers. Earn a one-year or two-year degree—all with free tuition. For a full list of every NCC program that qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship  – click here.

Want to learn more about our Powerline program?

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Award

  • Diploma

Length

  • Two Semesters & One Summer Term
  • Summer & Fall semester entry

Student Profile

  • Analytical
  • Desire to succeed
  • Good communicator

Program Location

  • This program is available on campus. General education courses are available online.

Contact Admissions

Student Story DANIEL FRITZ

“A degree from NCC means something to employers. The instructors are knowledgable and show you how to do something and tell you WHY you are doing it a certain way.”

Powerline student
Richland, IA

DANIEL FRITZ

Requirements for this program

FALL ENTRY
FALL SEMESTER19
PWL168-CDC Theory2
PWL169-CAC Theory2
PWL170-CField Training I4
PWL172-CField Training II4
PWL189-CPowerline Trade Fundamentals I2
PWL190-CPowerline Trade Fundamentals II2
MAT104-CApplied Math Topics3
SPRING SEMESTER19
PWL174-CField Training III4
PWL176-CField Training IV4
PWL183-CLine Maintenance3
FWL191-CTransformers & Connections4
WBL110-EEmployability Skills1
COM753-ETechnical Communications3
OR
SPC112-APublic Speaking3
SUMMER TERM10
PWL178-CField Training V4
PWL182-CUnderground Distribution3
PWL186-CTransmission and Distribution3
Total Credits48
SUMMER ENTRY
SUMMER TERM11
PWL168-CDC Theory2
PWL170-CField Training I4
PWL189-CPowerline Trade Fundamentals I2
MAT104-CApplied Math Topics3
FALL SEMESTER16
PWL169-CAC Theory2
PWL172-CField Training II4
PWL174-CField Training III4
PWL190-CPowerline Trade Fundamentals II2
PWL191-CTransformers & Connections4
SPRING SEMESTER21
PWL176-CField Training IV4
PWL178-CField Training V4
PWL182-CUnderground Distribution3
PWL183-CLine Maintenance3
PWL186-CTransmission and Distribution3
WBL110-EEmployability Skills1
COM753-ETechnical Communications3
OR
SPC112-APublic Speaking3
Total Credits48

CDL Recommended
*You may select any communications course with an A or E suffix.
**You may take MAT104-C or any math course with an A or E suffix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Graduates of the Powerline program are in demand by electrical utilities, rural electric cooperatives, municipals, and construction companies. The employment opportunities for powerline installers are excellent across the country, and those applicants with formal training typically have higher starting salaries and greater opportunity for advancement within the industry. NCC’s placement rates are almost 100%, over 30% of students get jobs before graduation.

Average starting salary has been around $22/hour.

Class time is split about 50/50 between lecture in the classroom and the hands-on time outdoors on the poles.

It is the only Powerline program in Iowa. NCC also offers an option for a Powerline Technology degree (Associate of Applied Science). NCC was recently recognized as having the #1 Electrical programs in the Nation!

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reach the goal of attending college. Federal and state programs, scholarships and other funding sources, may be available to help you to afford college. We know there are a lot of questions and stress planning to pay for a college education. The Financial Aid Office staff administers aid programs and counsels students in planning individual methods of meeting college costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for answers to any questions regarding financial aid. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Northwest Iowa Community College follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering financial aid programs.

Your Instructors

Aaron_Dvorak

Aaron J. Dvorak

Bryce Anderson

Jeff Soole

Jeff Soole

Milet Kracht

Milet Kracht