Gas Utility Construction and Service - Technical Diploma
Highly skilled professionals in the utilities industry are needed to install, maintain, and operate natural gas distribution systems used to supply residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Typical careers in this field include gas distribution worker, gas service person, gas meter and regulation mechanic, gas clerk-estimator, gas inspector, gas appliance repair mechanic, underground facilities locator, pipeline welder, pipe layer, and equipment operator. This program runs on an alternate schedule, beginning with the summer semester.
Delivery
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Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $7,061, Books: $259, Supplies: $960
This program is partially eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=314692
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit the following to transcripts@nwtc.edu: • High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript). • College transcript.
- Be able to obtain a commercial driver’s license.
- Must be able to pass pre-program drug screening as well as random drug & alcohol screenings throughout the program.
- Students should have mastered basic math skills. For a description of basic math, see the Basic Education section of this catalog.
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation. Must be able to obtain a commercial driver’s license.
Program Outcomes
- Install gas piping for natural and propane gases
- Adhere to OSHA Safety procedures
- Maintain gas distribution systems
- Service gas appliance
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Gas Utility Construction and Service technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Third Semester
8 Week 1
- Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements but must be passed with a C or better.
- This program runs on an alternate schedule, beginning in June and ending in March.
Course Descriptions
Students gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge and skills to apply the concepts of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, measurement, proportions, and percent to their career. No prerequisites needed.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringConstruction equipment safety and operation (trenching, backhoe, boring), equipment maintenance, gas and vehicular safety, and field mapping. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Gas Utility Construction & Service)
Course Typically Offered: SummerThis course is designed to prepare students for the Wisconsin Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) pre-trip inspection. Preparation will also be given for taking the State DOT written test including general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Gas Utility Construction & Service, Electrical Power Distribution, or Telecommunications programs)
Course Typically Offered: SummerCourse provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of surfacing welds in the flat position, fillet and groove welds on plain carbon steel. (Corequisite: 31-442-301, Material Cutting Applications)
Course Typically Offered: Contact an AdvisorVisual inspection of weld and cut edges, manual and machine oxy fuel gas cutting, air carbon arc cutting, plasma arc cutting, and mechanical cutting methods.
Course Typically Offered: Contact an AdvisorEquipment operation standards for the safe use of industry specific equipment. In depth study into Hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic equipment safe practices and operation. Introduction in proper rigging and shoring practices with a focus on safety standards throughout the industry. (Pre-Requisite: 314-469-311, Gas Utility Field Training 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallNatural gas line installation standards for plastic pressure testing, fusion, leak detection procedures, general installation procedures and repair of plastic mains and services, introduction to propane gas systems and safety. (Prerequisite: 31-469-311, Gas Utility Field Training 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallProvides students opportunities to develop and refine oral and written communication skills relevant to employment in the utility fields. This practical approach to communication includes creation of job-seeking documents, as well as practice and development of teamwork skills and conflict management strategies. Additionally, students will have opportunities to improve oral presentation skills in a variety of job-appropriate contexts. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater; Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 237 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 15 AND English score greater/equal to 16 or 10-838-105, Intro to Reading & Study Skills with "B" or better).
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringCourse provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of welds in the horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions, on fillet and groove welds, with and without backing and overhead T-Joints on plain carbon steel. (Prerequisite: 31-442-342, Shielded Metal Arc Welding 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallInstallation and repair of steel mains and services, applied field welding and maintenance, line testing and leak detection procedures, approved safety installation procedures using hand tools and supportive equipment. (Prerequisite: 31-469-320, Gas Utility Field Training 2)
Course Typically Offered: FallInstallation, maintenance, and repair of residential gas appliances, venting codes, line stoppering equipment, corrosion control, regulators, metering, first aid, and customer service training. Electrical sources/circuits in gas appliances, safe practices, test equipment, reading wiring diagrams, gas/electrical control functions, ignition systems, sequence of operation and troubleshooting. (Prerequisite: 31-469-330, Gas Utility Field Training 3; 31-469-345, Basic Electricity for Gas Appliances)
Course Typically Offered: SpringIn this course we will cover safety items as they are related to the Gas Utility industry, including confined space training, OSHA safety, and competent person training.
Course Typically Offered: Spring