Electrical Power Distribution
Program Number: 31-413-2
School Year: 2012-2013
Technical Diploma (1 year)
Campus: Beaver Dam
Program Description
The Electrical Power Distribution program provides theoretical and hands-on training in all phases of power line construction and maintenance. Individuals must have: the ability to work in a diverse work environment, the ability to work at heights and in all weather conditions, good eyesight and hearing, and manual dexterity to be successful in a career as a line mechanic. A Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is included in the program.
This technical diploma program prepares students for entry-level employment as line technician trainees for electrical utilities, telephone companies and related businesses. Graduates of the program may enter their employer’s apprentice program.
Statewide Salary Range for Recent Graduates

$21,838 $90,744
Approximate Costs
- $111.85 per credit (resident)
- $167.80 per credit (out-of-state resident)
- *Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.
Program Outcomes
- Apply safety rules to electrical power distribution work activities.
- Construct overhead electrical distribution systems.
- Construct underground electrical distribution systems.
- Demonstrate the required physical skills for a line worker.
- Integrate electrical theory fundamentals with electrical distribution needs.
- Operate equipment associated with electrical power distribution.
- Utilize both hands to perform pole work.
- Work within a diverse team setting.
- Construct overhead electrical transmission system.
- Construct single and three-phase service voltages.
Career Opportunities
- Apprentice Line Worker
- Apprentice High-Voltage Line Technician
- Apprentice Substation Maintenance Mechanic
- Apprentice Electrician
- URD Installer
- Line Construction Worker
- Electrical Meter Reader
- Pole Inspection Worker
- Line Clearance Technician
Entrance Scores
| Assessment Area | ACT | ACCUPLACER |
|---|---|---|
| English/Sentence Skills | 15 | 60 |
| Reading/Reading Comprehension | 16 | 67 |
| Math/Arithmetic | 15 | 34 |
Admission Process
- Submit the college admission application.
- Submit the $30 one-time fee.
- Submit high school and other official college transcripts.
- Take the college assessment test (ACCUPLACER, ACT or other). The ACCUPLACER assessment can be taken at MPTC.
- Meet with Admissions to discuss order of courses and prerequisites (required for this program).
- Check with Admissions if any additional steps are required.
Gainful Employment
The information below is provided as a federal requirement in an effort to help students make informed educational decisions. Specifically, Gainful Employment aims to provide information related to future potential debt burden in comparison to the expected earnings in a chosen program or field.
| Placement rates in related field | 65% (based on 23 responses) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-time completion rate | 40% | ||||||||
| Program costs |
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| Median student loan debt | $0 | ||||||||
| Department of Labor National Job Classifications |
47-1011.03 Solar Energy Installation Managers 49-9051.00 Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers |
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Courses
| Number | Title | Crds |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | ||
| 413-103 | Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Preparation | 1 |
| 413-307 | Electrical Theory and Safety 1 | 3 |
| 413-309 | Line Technician 1 | 5 |
| 413-310 | Line Technician 2 | 5 |
| 804-363 | Algebraic Applications for Electrical Trades | 2 |
| 809-300 | Occupational Success Strategies | 2 |
| Total | 18 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| 413-311 | Line Technician 3 | 5 |
| 413-312 | Line Technician 4 | 5 |
| 413-317 | Electrical Theory and Safety 2 | 3 |
| 413-142 | Introduction to Electrical Substation | 3 |
| 806-375 | Applied Science | 2 |
| Total | 18 | |
| Total Program Credits | 36 | |
Exit Assessment
A Capstone Project/Demonstration is the exit assessment graduation requirement for the program.
Institutional Requirements
- 890-125 Student Success - take 1st semester
- 103-159 Computer Literacy/Advanced Standing - take 1st semester
- 890-130 Career Development - take 2nd semester
Additional Program Requirements
Students will need a physical prior to beginning this program.Academic Planner
Transfer Opportunities
Check out the Credit Transfers page for more information.
Additional Information
Students must purchase a tool kit for this program (approximately $1,000). A field experience day is held in October or April to give applicants an opportunity to learn about careers, job opportunities and endurance expectations and to experience pole climbing. A clean driving record is required for employment in this field.
A Commercial Driver's License Skill Test (413-403) is highly recommended for this program.
All 413-xxx EPD courses listed above are restricted to EPD program students.

