Electrical Power Distribution

To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/electrical-power-distribution/

Program Number: 31-413-2
Technical Diploma (1 year)
Campus: Beaver Dam
This program is eligible for financial aid

Climb to new heights in your career with a one-year Electrical Power Distribution technical diploma at Moraine Park Technical College.

About the Program

Reach new heights in the diverse and exciting field of Electrical Power Distribution. Students in this one-year program get theoretical and hands-on training in all phases of power line construction and maintenance. Individuals must be comfortable working at varying heights during extreme weather conditions. Good eyesight, hearing and manual dexterity are required to be successful.

What You'll Learn

Students gain knowledge about the workings of electrical power systems. Preparing to work as power linemen, students demonstrate the required physical skills needed with hands-on training in the field. Graduates of the program are prepared to use both hands to perform pole work and construct various electrical distribution systems. Students learn safety standards and how they apply to work activities and operating equipment associated with electrical distribution needs.

Transfer Opportunities

Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordableaccessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
 

Additional Information

Students must purchase a tool kit for this program (approximately $1,500). A field experience day is held in fall and/or spring 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.

Students will need a fed med (Federal Medical) qualified physical, a fed med card, and a specific drug test prior to beginning the program, unless students already possess a CDL upon entering the program.

CPR/First Aid certification are required components of the program.

Students will receive all related details during their Field Day event.

 

Admission Process

Standard Admissions steps details

Credit for Prior Learning

Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process. 

  • Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
  • Earn college credit for your military training and experience
  • Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
  • Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences

Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Approximate Costs

Fees shown are 2023-2024 fees; 2024-2025 fees will be available as soon as they are approved.

Tuition

Occupational

  • $146.20 per credit (resident)
  • $219.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Associate of Arts/Associate of Science

  • $188.90 per credit (resident)
  • $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Student Fees

  • $4.50 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $12.50 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $10 minimum per credit Online Course Fee (Fee suspended for 2023-2024)
  • $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee

Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.

While attending Moraine Park during the 2024-25 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,462 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $3,008 (if living with parents, $9,147 if living on your own), books and supplies of $1,465, personal expenses of $3,608, and transportation of $4,017 for a total of $17,002. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.

Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office 1
413-308 Electrical Concepts for Utilities 2
413-309 Line Technician 1 5
413-310 Line Technician 2 5
413-318 Directional Boring 2
458-301 Commercial Driver's License Theory 1 1
804-363 Algebraic Applications for Electrical Trades 2
890-101 College 101 2
 Credits20
Semester 2
469-347 Safety Applications for Utilities 1 (January-1 week) 1 1
413-342 Introduction to Electrical Substations 1
413-311 Line Technician 3 5
413-312 Line Technician 4 5
458-302 Commercial Driver's License Theory 2 2
469-348 Safety Applications for Utilities 2 1
801-310 Occupational Communication 1
806-375 Applied Science 2
809-300 Occupational Success Strategies 1
 Credits19
 Total Credits39
1

Students will obtain OSHA 30 certification thru completion of the Safety Applications for Utilities 1 course (469-347 Safety Applications for Utilities 1).

All 413-xxx courses are restricted to Electrical Power Distribution program students.

Program Outcomes

  • Apply electrical theory
  • Construct overhead electrical distribution systems
  • Disassemble overhead electrical distribution systems
  • Construct underground electrical distribution systems
  • Disassemble underground electrical distribution systems
  • Construct overhead electrical transmission systems
  • Disassemble overhead electrical transmission systems
  • Maintain electrical systems

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

Statewide Median Salary for Recent Graduates

$72,326