Power Plant Technology

Power Plant Technology - Associate in Specialized Technology Degree

Through the operation of the School power plant and maintenance of its utilities, students gain valuable practical experience preparing them for positions in the power and utilities industries. Students take turns with shift work, which includes readings and adjustments, start-up and shutdown of plant equipment, daily water treatment tests, and mechanical and electrical maintenance.

Students also learn the proper operation, maintenance, and testing of boilers, turbines, diesel engines, electric generators, switch gear, pumps and other auxiliary equipment, as well as the theory of nuclear, fossil fuel, hydroelectric and other systems of power generation. The NUS Training Corporation’s video-based power plant training program has been incorporated as part of the technical curriculum. The basic principles of electricity, electrical power, motor controls, wiring diagrams, engineering mechanics, and mechanical and electrical systems are also covered, along with accident prevention, foremanship, and management. Additional courses to strengthen students’ knowledge and skills include boiler/turbine instrumentation, welding, and metal survey. On an annual basis, students have participated in a power plant maintenance shutdown at a local refuse-to-steam plant.

Graduates are employed by utilities, industrial power facilities, refineries, manufacturers, and consulting firms as power plant operators, stationary engineers, field service technicians, instrumentation and controls technicians, and electrical maintenance technicians. The level of occupation would include junior technical assistant level, apprentice engineer, and/or entry-level management positions. This program also provides a sound base for further education in engineering.

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Click to view a listing of employers who have offered our Power Plant Technology students & graduates employment and/or interships over the past ten years.