Join the Power Systems Institute, and you'll climb with the best.

FirstEnergy – one of the largest electric utility systems in the country – has partnered with Youngstown State University to train the next generation of top-quality, well-educated and experienced line workers.

Through this program, you can earn a two-year Accredited Associate of Technical Studies Degree with a focus on Electric Utility Technology. In just two years, you'll have the necessary education, technical training and hands-on field experience to become a line worker. Keep reading for more details.

Degree Specifications

To earn this degree, you need to take a total of 64 credit hours, completed consecutively over the 21-month (four-semester) period. Classroom-based courses will be held at Youngstown State and laboratory courses are held at a FirstEnergy facility located near the college. The program will prepare you for employment as a line worker. Class size is limited.

Course Curriculum

Basic Courses:
Survey of Math, Technical Skills Development, Conceptual Physics, College Writing 1&2,

General Courses:
Communication Theory and Practice, Personal & Social Responsibilities, and Societies & Institutions.

Technical Courses:
Electrical Fundamentals, Electric Utility Distribution Systems, Electrical Codes & Standards,
FirstEnergy Laboratory and Field Experience

Course Delivery

Students will conduct their laboratory training at a FirstEnergy facility 2½ days a week, and classroom coursework will take place at Youngstown State the remaining 2½ days a week. All training and education will be offered weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Laboratory Work

All the essential hands-on skills necessary for a line worker will be taught in the laboratory, where safe work practices and procedures in the electrical environment are continually stressed. As part of the program, you’ll learn first aid and CPR certifications, as well as a Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Field Experience

Following the second semester, you will be required to participate in a paid ten-week (40 hr/week) evaluated field experience. Students will be compensated at a rate of $14.00 per hour. Field experience will begin in June and end in August. Pre-employment screening is required.

Program Tuition & Lab Fees

Tuition, lab fees and books will be approximately $8,000 per year for in-state residents. To determine out-of-state tuition and fees, see the Youngstown State course catalog. For information about financial aid, contact Youngstown State.

Potential Employment

Students with the right grades, skills and attitude may have the opportunity upon graduation to be hired by FirstEnergy – a Fortune 250 company that's well-positioned for future growth. Right now, starting salaries range from $18 to $21 per hour, as well as paid overtime.

FirstEnergy offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package including: health and dental care, life insurance, pension plan, 401K plan (including Company matching program), as well as continuing education reimbursement. FirstEnergy also provides a competitive incentive compensation package designed to recognize and reward growth and performance when individual, group and corporate objectives are achieved.

Company Profile

FirstEnergy Corp. is a registered public utility holding company headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its seven electric utility operating companies comprise the nation’s fifth largest investor-owned electric system, serving 4.4 million customers within 36,100 square miles of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Selection Process

Step 1: Program Orientation
An evening orientation session will be held at Youngstown State on Thursday, January 17, 2008 from 6 –8 p.m, McKay Auditorium, Beeghly College of Education. The session, hosted by FirstEnergy, will give you some background information on the program and introduce you to the skills necessary for line work.

Step 2: Skills Orientation
Prospective students will participate in a skills orientation program, which includes activities to test strength, endurance, and ability to work in high places. Because of the hands-on involvement, enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required. To sign up for this unique opportunity call 1-800-829-6801.

Step 3: Placement Testing
Prior to registration, Youngstown State requires placement testing in English, Reading, and Math. Based on the results, students may be required to enroll in summer courses to prepare for the fall semester. Each prospective student will need to schedule the placement test. Contact Youngstown State for test dates and, if necessary, the dates of the summer course.

Step 4: Basic Wood Pole Climbing
To prepare for the fall semester, a mandatory 80-hour Basic Wood Pole Climbing course will be conducted at a FirstEnergy site where you will learn to climb poles in full fall protection equipment. You will also become familiar with basic overhead line materials and equipment. At the completion of the course, you will be qualified as a wood pole climber. All climbing and safety equipment will be provided.

During this time, FirstEnergy instructors will determine if each prospective student possesses the basic skills and abilities required for electric power utility work. The instructor may remove an unsuitable student from the program, or a candidate may withdraw on his or her own. Eligibility screening will be conducted prior to the start of the fall semester.

Step 5: Classes Begin
With successful completion of steps 1 through 4, students will begin the 21-month degree program in the fall semester, which begins in August.

For More Information

Visit our website at www.eng.ysu.edu click on “Power Systems Institute”