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Utility Tech



Utility Technology at ACC

UTT Class of 2017Utility Tech Certificate Curriculum
Utility Tech Advanced Certificate Curriculum
Utility Tech AAS Curriculum
ACC offers a one year vocational certificate, an advanced certificate, or an associate in applied science (AAS) degree. Both programs provide training to work as an entry-level line installer and repairer.

The Utility Technology program is designed to prepare students to construct, install,  and repair electrical distribution, telephone, and CATV transmission systems. It also helps prepare students to take the Michigan commercial drivers license test.

Both the vocational certificate and AAS degree programs include two semesters of study of practical theory and hands-on training using actual equipment and materials in classroom, laboratory, and field settings. An AAS degree can be earned by completing an additional 24 credit hours of general education and program-related courses.

Linemane Rodeo 2016Program Facilities

ACC has a dedicated site on campus where students install utility poles, wire lines, and install services using industry-standard equipment. Students also learn how to operate a bucket truck, an underground trencher machine, and a digger truck.

Preparation

Students must be in good physical condition, be able to work in elevated sites, and have good color vision to do well in this program. Students must be able to climb 40-foot power poles to successfully complete the first semester.

Students working on utility poleA good driving record is required to qualify for your commercial driver’s license (a requirement before operating utility vehicles).  Students will also be expected to supply approximately $1800 worth of climbing equipment, tools, and foul weather gear. Before starting the program, academic background, assessment scores or testing results are reviewed to determine the right courses to take.

Certification

After successfully completing your first semester in the Utility Technology program, you will be recognized as a certified climber. This distinction is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

ACC Instructor to Climb 60 Utility Poles for 60th Birthday FundraiserRoy Smith smiles at the camera while climbing a pole
Posted October 22, 2021
Forget being over the hill! While many of us struggle to climb out of bed in the morning, longtime ACC utility technology instructor and alumnus (’91) Roy Smith is planning to spend his birthday doing something people half his age would have trouble accomplishing.

Not content to just celebrate with cake and ice cream, Roy decided to mark this milestone birthday doing what he loves most to help out the students he’s dedicated his life to educating. Roy is not only challenging himself to spend his 60th birthday October 26th climbing 60 utility poles, but he’s also challenging you to donate $60 in his honor to benefit the ACC Utility Technology Program Support Fund, which is held at the ACC Foundation and helps UTT students travel and compete in the annual lineman rodeo.

Donate to the UTT Program Support Fund

Contact the Program AdvisorRoy Smith
UTT Lead Instructor
989.358.7443
smithr@alpenacc.edu