Electrical Line Technician program seeks students

MARQUETTE – The Electrical Line Technician (ELT) program is about to graduate its tenth class of students and is currently accepting applications for the upcoming school year. The ELT program is a joint effort between Northern Michigan University (NMU), the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) and the Midwest Skills Development Center (MSDC) and prepares students to install, maintain and operate electrical systems to supply electric energy to residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Students will earn a two-semester technical diploma which starts in the fall semester, at the end of August. The application process starts in the winter semester. Enrollment is limited to 40 students who will attend courses on the NMU campus as well as the MSDC training site, on the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Gwin. Students are eligible for a laptop computer as part of tuition and fees.

The ELT program has trained 303 students to date, who have a 80% job placement rate after graduation. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the job outlook for ELT’s is expected to rise.

Graduates of the ELT program will successfully be able to:

·         Construct electrical transmission systems

·         Relate electrical theory to electric power systems

·         Work comfortable at heights

·         Climb poles and towers

·         Identify substation components

·         Operate electrical power distribution equipment

·         Troubleshoot power distribution systems

·         Communicate technical information

·         Construct power distribution systems

·         Identify methods of electrical generation

·         Demonstrate working knowledge of computers

·         Obtain Commercial Driver’s License certificate

“Many employers require and most prefer that candidates for line electrician positions complete entry level training prior to being considered for hire,” said Line Tech Instructor Jerry LePage. “Graduates of the Northern Michigan University electrical line technician program meet and exceed the minimum requirements, and are highly competitive when seeking apprenticeship positions.  Further, once indentured into an apprenticeship, graduates can expect to be well-compensated with family sustaining wages and an exceptional benefit package, while performing demanding, challenging and meaningful work in an outdoor environment.”

Students can begin the process of applying to the program by contacting Jon Teichman at 906-227-2650 for more information.