 Through
a partnership with Lakeland and FirstEnergy,
students can achieve a two-year accredited associate
of applied science degree in electric utility technology.
Knowledge-based classroom
courses will be conducted at Lakeland and laboratory
(skills) training will be conducted at a FirstEnergy
facility located near the college.
Through hands-on instruction,
students will learn the essential skills necessary
to be a line worker with heavy emphasis placed on
safe work practices and procedures in the electric
utility environment.
A total of 69 credit hours are
completed consecutively over the 21-month (four-semester)
period. Knowlege-based courses will be held at Lakeland
and laboratory courses will be held at a FirstEnergy
facility located near the college. The program will
prepare students for employment in a variety of
electrical fields, with emphasis in the line worker/substation
worker area. A maximum of 20 students will be accepted
into the program per year.
Students will conduct their laboratory
training at a FirstEnergy facility two and-a-half
days a week. Classroom coursework will be conducted
at Lakeland two and-a-half days a week. All training
and education required for the program will be offered
between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
College closings on holidays are
observed.
The two-and-a-half days spent
in the laboratory will consist of the essential,
hands-on skills necessary for a line worker/ substation
worker. Heavy emphasis is placed on safe work practices
and procedures in the electrical environment. As
part of the study, first-aid and CPR certifications
will be achieved. In addition, students will obtain
a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Following semester two, students
will be required to participate in a 10-week (40
hours per week) compensated and evaluated line/substation
field experience with FirstEnergy. Students will
be assigned to a work crew and utilize skills learned
during their first two semesters. Students will
be paid between $13 and $15 per hour, depending
on job assignment and location. Field experience
will begin in June and end in August.
Selection
Process
Step 1:
Orientation sessions will be held for those interested
in the program. The first orientation will be hosted
by FirstEnergy and will introduce prospective students
to the skills necessary for line/substation work.
Step 2:
At the second orientation, students will participate
in activities that will test their strength, endurance
and abilities of working in an elevated position.
Because of the hands-on involvement,
enrollment is limited. Pre-registration is required.
To sign up for this unique opportunity,
call (800) 824-9803. Participants should bring a
long-sleeve shirt with them on the day of the camp.
Please wear footwear with a hard sole, preferably
boots.
Step 3:
Prior to registration, Lakeland requires placement
testing in English, reading and math. Based on the
results, students may be required to enroll in summer
courses to prepare for the fall semester. Scheduling
of the placement tests will be the responsibility
of the prospective student.
Contact Lakeland for test dates
and summer remediation course dates (if required).
Step 4:
An 80-hour Basic Wood Pole Climbing / substation
course will be conducted at a FirstEnergy site in
preparation for the fall semester. Students enrolled
in the 21-month degree program must attend this
80-hour (two-week) course.
Students will learn to climb poles
/ steel structures in full fall protection equipment.
At the completion of the course, students will be
qualified as a wood pole / steel structure climber.
The course also will familiarize students with basic
overhead line materials, conductors, sleeves, and
hand-line use or substation tools and equipment.
All climbing and safety equipment will be provided.
Program eligibility screening
will be conducted prior to Basic 80 hour Climbing
School to determine eligibility for summer field
experience.
Final decisions for enrolling
in the PSI program are made by prospective students
and FirstEnergy instructors during the 80 hour Climbing
School. During this time, it is determined if each
candidate possesses the basic skills and abilities
required for electric power utility work.
Candidates may withdraw of their
own accord or may be withdrawn by a FirstEnergy
instructor.
Step 5:
With successful completion of steps one through
three, students will begin the 21-month degree program
in the fall semester (August).
Additional
Information
Call the college regarding the cost of tuition,
lab fees, books, and other information.
Based on a student’s grades,
skills and attitude, employment opportunities may
exist with FirstEnergy upon graduation. Current
starting salaries range from $18 to $20 per hour.
Overtime also is compensated. FirstEnergy offers
a competitive and comprehensive benefits package
including:
health and dental care, life insurance, pension
plan, 401K plan (including company matching program),
as well as continuing education reimbursement. FirstEnergy
also provides a competitive compensation package
designed to recognize and reward growth and performance
that achieves individual, group and corporate objectives.
FirstEnergy is a registered public
utility holding company with more than $38 billion
in assets and $12 billion in annual revenues.
FirstEnergy’s electric utility
operating companies Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania
Power Company, The Illuminating Company, Toledo
Edison, Jersey Central Power and Light, Met-Ed,
and Penelec comprise the nation’s sixth largest
electric system serving 4.3 million electric customers
in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
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