Utility Construction Technician
Unique in the state
Technical Diploma
37 Credits | 1 Year
Financial Aid-Eligible
Rice Lake
Career Cluster: Architecture and Construction
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Utility Construction Technician can lead to a variety of career options in the utility services industry. Utility contractors and public municipalities of all sizes need a skilled workforce to install and maintain various utility systems including fiber optics, copper communications, electric, water/sewer, oil and natural gas pipelines.
Program Overview
The Utility Construction Technician program will introduce outside plant cabling practices, installed as aerial cable between poles in an underground conduit system or by direct burial. Students will understand the basic electricity, blue print reading and facility locating. Students will have the ability to obtain a CDL class A permit. They will practice basic construction practices techniques for outside plant services. Students will analyze work zone safety practices and receive an OSHA 10 permit.
Program Outcomes
Employers will expect Utility Construction Technician graduates to be able to:
- Demonstrate safe practices and techniques
- Perform site location and preparation
- Perform construction practices
- Apply basic electrical principles
- Demonstrate customer service
- Complete CDL-A licensure
- Analyze broadband principles
- Demonstrate heavy equipment operation
- Utilize construction plans
- Perform preventative maintenance practices
Horizontal Directional drilling is an economical and environment friendly method for the installation of pipelines underneath rivers, roads, railway tracks, buildings and other obstacles. With this method you can install: sewer, freshwater, gas, oil and telecommunication pipelines without trenching. In the first step a pilot bore is made from the entry to the exit point.
Project-based learning.
Use current utility equipment.
Hands-on-learning
Academics
Utility Construction Technician classes start in August on the Rice Lake campus. Students of the program will obtain the hands-on training that employers in the industry are looking for in an applicant.
One-Year Technical Diploma
After just two semesters, successful graduates of this program will be prepared with the entry-level skills needed to enter the utility workforce.
Industry Certifications
Industry Certifications awarded to students include: OSHA10, WIS DOT Flagger Certification, and First Aid, CPR, AED. Industry Certifications that students may have the ability to obtain include: CDL Class A and ETA Fiber Optic Installer Certification.
Simulation Training
Students have the opportunity to utilize simulation training, including: Truck Driving, Excavator and Backhoe.
Curriculum
This program will introduce outside plant cabling practices, installed as aerial cable between poles in an underground conduit system or by direct burial. Students will understand the basic electricity, blue print reading and facility locating. Students will have the ability to obtain a CDL class A permit. They will practice basic construction practices techniques for outside plant services. Students will analyze work zone safety practices and receive an OSHA 10 permit.
Featured Utility Construction Technician Courses
Utility Construction Technician is Part of a Career Pathway
As a Utility Construction Technician student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
You could take this first and get a credential.
This is the program you’re looking at.
Continue your education to obtain a bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has a simple admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get you started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits and scholarships.
Estimated Total Program Costs 2022-23*
Utility Construction Technician
37 Credits | 1 Year
$6,355
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech Utility Construction Technician Program
Upon completion of the program, you will obtain a Utility Construction Technician technical diploma.
Transfer Options
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college in Wisconsin to obtain your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
The PCCA Education & Research Foundation website allows members and their employees’ college-bound students to apply online for the new PCCA Scholarship Program. Scholarships of up to $10,000 are awarded each year to selected applicants.
Professional Licensure and/or Certification Information
Northwood Tech’s Utility Construction Technician program is designed to prepare students to obtain the required licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin. However, Northwood Tech has not made a determination whether this program meets the requirements for preparation, examination, or licensure for states other than Wisconsin. Students who may be seeking professional licensure or certification in states other than Wisconsin should contact the appropriate licensing board in the state to verify that the Northwood Tech program meets licensure or certification requirements.
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Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
