Electrical Power Municipal and Public Utilities Education and Training

Learn skills needed to work for local electric companies

Electrical power municipal and public utilities employ those trained in electrical work to manage and repair local electric services. A local utility will have many electrical jobs available, including positions for electricians, power technicians, and those trained to work on outdoor electrical infrastructure.

Training for this type of job is required, and may either be acquired through vocational colleges or universities. Electrical power municipal and public utilities education and training can last from one year to more than four, depending on the position you want to attain. All local utility companies need employees who:

1. Earn certificates in local electric field services.

2. Earn a degree from a vocational school or university in electrical engineering.

3. Attend seminars and recertification programs to stay up to date on the latest safety and technology issues.

 

Earn an electrical engineering degree to work for government utilities

There are many college courses you can take if you want to train for a career in electric utilities. Those who want to go in-depth with training that teaches design and advanced topics will need to work towards a four-year degree. Engineers working at a utility company can hold many positions, like designing or redesigning grids or finding solutions for problems in the system.
Try: Stanford University offers a comprehensive undergraduate degree in electrical engineering. Its program has basic classes as well as those built around designing electrical systems. The University of Washington also has an electrical engineering program where students can earn either a bachelor's or master's degree.

Take vocational courses to train for working with public utility services

If a four-year degree is not an option, you can find many courses in electrical work at community colleges and vocational schools. These courses are less expensive and will usually take half the time of a four-year program. These courses offer enough training to begin an apprenticeship at a utilities company, learning to install and repair power sources throughout the grid.
Try: Western Wyoming Community College provides credit courses and certificate training in basic electrical skills and electrical assembly. ECPI College of Technology offers an associate's degree for electrical engineering.

Choose training programs provided by power and electric organizations that work with local utilities

For those who are already working in the field of local utilities, there are opportunities for additional training. Many electrical and power organizations offer seminars, training programs and online resources to help you learn a new skill or try a new technology.
Try: The American Public Power Association provides in-house training programs for all positions within a public utilities company, including electricity basics, overhead systems and underground systems maintenance. The Northwest Public Power Association provides many online courses in electric, safety and lighting systems.

 

• Most electrical municipalities offer apprenticeship positions so those enrolled in a university or vocational program can get hands-on training. Working at a local electric service while in school will reinforce important concepts.

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