Utility Technology Certificate

Program Code:

UTC

Degree:

Certificate

This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus) and at a utility training facility.
This program may be completed face-to-face.

Program Contact Email:

eut@qcc.mass.edu

Additional Information

Goals

Program Goals:

The Utility Technology Certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the electrical, gas, and/or communications utility industry. The utility industry has forecast a strong need for technologically-literate employees in the next several years for positions, such as overhead and underground line workers, meter workers, substation maintenance personnel, gas workers, and communication workers. The program includes courses that provide students with an introduction to the utility industry. In addition, students will demonstrate their practiced and acquired skills learned in the classroom as well as field work experience with utility partners.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Develop the skills needed for the understanding of business office technology, operating systems functions, Internet technology, and productivity suites.
Be aware of the requirements for employment and certifications needed to compete for employment in the utility industry.
Be introduced to the basic principles of utility installations, including basic theory of electric, gas, and communications.
Apply the concepts and methods of mathematics to solve problems.
Develop critical thinking and reading, thesis development, organization and grammatical correctness, as well as evaluate, incorporate, and document sources from print, Internet, and a library database to support their writing.
Continue to gain knowledge of the principles of utility work methods along with government regulation and facility installations.
Gain an understanding of OSHA regulations that guide this industry, and obtain OSHA certification.
Gain an introductory understanding of basic scientific principles.
Apply their knowledge in the field with hands-on work experience, and demonstrate industry work methods and safe work practices.

Classes

Curriculum:

Course Title	Course #	Semester Offered	Credits	Prerequisites
Semester 1 (Fall) Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: UTC). Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in two semesters. Create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs. Complete CPS 298.
Pre Cooperative Education Seminar	CPS 298	F/S	0
Topics in Mathematics	MAT 121	F/S/SU	3	College level math course or QMAT placement score > 21 or approp multiple measures placement or Coreq: MAT 051
Introduction to Utilities: Electric, Gas, Communications	UTT 101	F	3
Utility Installations/Principles I	UTT 110	F	3	Coreq: UTT 101
OSHA 30/Safety/CPR/First Aid	UTT 115	F	3
		Total	12
Semester 2 (Spring) If seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board. Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Introduction to Microcomputer Applications	CIS 111	F/S/SU	3
Utility Installations/Principles II	UTT 111	S	3	UTT 110
Cooperative Work Experience	UTT 299	S	3	Coreq: UTT 111, UTT 115
		Total	9
Total Credits Required			21

Cost & Requirements

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions [at] qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience [at] qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

CORI, SORI, Fingerprinting & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

CORI/SORI checks and fingerprinting may be required by utility employers. Drug testing will very likely be performed by prospective employers. Additionally, serious driving infractions will affect an individual’s employability.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Cooperative work experience participants will be expected to wear protective boots (with steel or composite toes and an EH rating) at the utility training site (approximately $100.00-$200.00).

Additional Information:

Students are advised to enroll in all Semester 1 courses in the Fall semester in order to progress to Semester 2.
Students should enroll in all Semester 2 courses in order to complete the program in one academic year.
Individuals seeking employment with utility companies must also meet employer-specific hiring requirements; this may include CORI/SORI checks, fingerprinting, and drug testing.
Applicants to this program must have a valid learner’s permit and a driving record that is suitable for prospective employer’s insurance requirements. A Request for Driving Record will be forwarded to the MA Department of Transportation on behalf of each student accepted to the program each Fall semester.
Students should note that a valid driver’s license will be required for employment in this field; individuals with driving and/or legal infractions should be aware that their actions may impact their employability.

Career

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 15.0503.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

Career Exploration:

Students can take an online Career Assessment through Career Coach to determine their strengths, then browse through occupations compatible with their interests and assessment results. To access the online assessment and for more information about particular careers and related academic programs at QCC, visit www.QCC.edu/career-assessment.

The actual median salary and position may vary depending on the employee’s educational level and years of experience

Apply for Admission Request Information

Contact QCC Admissions at 508.854.4262 for more information.

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