The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Electric 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 either the line worker or substation area. The curriculum prepares the students for hands-on distribution support system installation/maintenance or 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 obtain a Class “A” Driver’s License (CDL) as part of the program. An integral part of the program is a compensated summer field experience assigned to a work crew with FirstEnergy for 10 weeks between the two academic years.
Prior to a student’s enrollment in the program, the candidate is required to complete a multi-step selection process which includes: attendance at an information session, RVCC admission which includes placement testing, hands-on technical evaluation, background screening, physical capabilities assessment, securing a DOT medical examiner certificate, hands-on climbing school, as well as an interview. Final student selection will be determined by FirstEnergy. Any developmental studies required based on the placement testing results must be completed prior to the first fall semester.
The program uses a cohort based model. Students who enroll in the Electric Utility Technology degree attend academic classes at Raritan Valley Community College and skill-related courses are conducted at a FirstEnergy training facility.
Graduates are able to:
- demonstrate proficiency in a series of basic hands-on skills
- demonstrate knowledge of the Electric Utility Technology field
- possess the appropriate skills necessary to seek employment in the electric utility industry
- interact with people from diverse backgrounds
- demonstrate a high level of written and oral communication skills