The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Electric Power Utility Technology is offered in partnership with Jersey Central Power & Light, a FirstEnergy Company. The program will prepare graduates for long-term employment opportunities in a variety of electrical fields, with an emphasis in the line worker/substation area. The curriculum prepares the students for hands-on transmission support system installation/maintenance and electrical substation maintenance.

The program combines academic coursework to strengthen the student’s skills for the current business world, hands on skills necessary for employment in the field with an emphasis placed on safe work practices and procedures in the electrical environment. Students will achieve first-aid and CPR certifications. Students will be required to obtain a Class “A” Driver’s License (CDL). An integral part of the program is a paid summer field experience assigned to a work crew with FirstEnergy for 10 weeks between the two academic years.

Prior to a student’s first registration in the program, a mandatory orientation, RVCC admission including placement testing and an 80-hour Basic Wood Pole Climbing course are required. Final decision for enrolling in the program will be determined after the wood Pole Climbing course by a FirstEnergy instructor and the student once it is determined if the student has the basic skills and abilities required for electric power utility work. Any developmental studies required based on the placement testing results should be started in the summer sessions before beginning the first fall semester.

Students enrolled in the Electric Utility technology degree will attend academic classes at Raritan Valley Community College and the 2 ½ days a week laboratory courses will be conducted at a FirstEnergy facility located near the College.

Graduates are able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the Electric Utility Technology field
• succeed in employment in the electric utility industry
• interact with people from diverse backgrounds
• demonstrate a high level of written and oral communication skills
• earn the Associate of Applied Science Degree