Update on the Development of an Electrical Power Technician Associate Degree Program

This paper presents the current status of an associate electrical engineering technology degree program in the electric power field. While many other programs in the electric power field have tried to focus on renewable energy to increase student interest, this program has focused on maintenance and testing of the existing power grid. This does preclude some of the graduates from working with renewables, and many of the students take elective courses in renewable technologies, but the primary focus of the program is on traditional systems and equipment. This paper looks at the difficulties in student recruitment, the level of rigor required in the courses to provide effective employees, the technical challenges of running labs with industrial-sized equipment, and the need to possibly transition some of the students into baccalaureate degree programs. Many traditional electrical engineering programs have begun to grow again in the last several years, but most electrical engineering technology programs have either been stagnant or have seen declining enrollments. While this program is relatively new, the trend in enrollment has been positive. These enrollment improvements are similar to several other engineering technology programs, and comparisons to their initiatives and the methods used are made. The level of rigor in the program’s coursework has been closely monitored by the faculty and industry representatives to determine if algebraic-based mathematical derivations are sufficient. In addition, problems with student testing of 2,500 kVA three-phase transformers, 333 kVA single-phase transformers, and student operation and testing of 72.5 kV puffer SF6 circuit breakers, and industry-standard voltage regulators are covered along with suggested precautions and simplifications. Finally, the difficulties seen in more fully developing the student’s potential when there is such a high demand for students with only associate degree credentials is covered.