The program will start the fall semester of 2012. Applicants apply to the program through Northwestern CT Community College.  

First time users will need to create an account.

Students will take the college placement-assessment test at Northwestern CT Community College where they are applying for the associate degree in Technology Studies.

Students who have successfully completed a college level writing (English composition) course and/or college level math courses with grades of C or better from an accredited college or university should bring a copy of their transcript to Northwestern CT Community College Admissions Office to determine if the courses will satisfy the academic requirements for application or whether the student will be required to take part or all of the college placement test (CPT).

The salaries are set depending on the job position and the company’s union contract.

The first step in the process requires applicants to take a college placement test (CPT) to place into college level math, reading and English. In addition, the applicant will need to complete an application through Northwestern CT Community College in its entirety.  

If Northwestern CT Community College considers the applicant academically eligible, their application will be forwarded to CL&P.  

Successful candidates will be contacted by the Northeast Utilities Human Resources Department for job placement screening. As part of the application for admission to this program, students sign a release form so that CL&P can conduct a formal background check, a Driving Record check and a drug and alcohol screen.

After successful completion of these screenings, the applicant must then pass a physical prescreen designed to test their strength and ability and a hands-on skills assessment at the CL&P Training Center. 

The last step of the process includes a formal interview with Northeast Utilities Human Resources and CL&P management.  

In addition, students accepted into the program must pass the Construction and Skills Trade (CAST) test within the first six months of being accepted into the program.

*Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or have U.S. Work Authorization and at least 18 years of age as of September 4, 2012 (for the class starting in September 2012). 

Students who do not meet the academic eligibility requirements may retake the CPT one additional time within a 6 month period and be eligible the next time the program is offered (students who completed a writing sample are not eligible to retest in the writing/English portion of the CPT). We strongly advise that students wishing to re-take the CPT take advantage of online practice tests and/or obtain additional instruction in any weak areas before retesting. Alternatively, students may enroll in the appropriate developmental coursework to fulfill academic eligibility. Completion of such coursework does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

After the Northwestern CT Community College deems the applicant to be academically eligible, their application will be forwarded to Northeast Utilities Human Resources. Upon receiving a complete application package for admission to this program, the company will then perform the background checks and will guide the applicant through the process.

Applications are due by July 6 for the 2012 program.

Students who have completed the Accuplacer at another institution may still need to take parts or the entire test. You may bring in an official Accuplacer report from another college or university to the Assessment. The Assessment Center Coordinator will determine whether your scores qualify to meet the academic application requirements of the CL&P program. Please note that the scores may not be handwritten and not every college or university uses the same sections of the Accuplacer exam. Connecticut Community Colleges require reading, sentence skills, math and elementary algebra. Reading and English scores are only valid for two years and math scores are only valid for one year.

The pathway is a two-year, full-time day program. The program will take two years to complete, regardless of previous successful college-level academic experience, although some positions may require additional formal training or educational credits. There is not an evening or part-time option. Between semesters, students are required to work for CL&P as paid interns.

Yes. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid. In order to qualify for financial aid, students must both apply to Northwestern CT Community College and complete a FASFA (Free Application for Student Aid) online.

The Electric Power Technology Pathway is a partnership between CL&P and Northwestern CT Community College allowing students to earn an associate degree in Technology Studies and prepare qualified candidates for a career in the electric power utility industry. Students gain valuable classroom and hands-on experience while CL&P helps train tomorrow’s workforce. Upon successful completion of the program, you may receive a job offer from CL&P to work for the company in available electrical positions.

No. If you meet all prerequisites for the program, the final stage is a formal interview with Northeast Utilities Human Resources and CL&P management. Candidates will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be accepted into the program.

Yes. The paid internship is required for completion of the program. Interns will be paid $13.50 per hour the first year and wages in agreement with our union contracts for the second year for the required 40 hours per week. These internships during summer and winter breaks will total a minimum of 12 weeks per year.

For information regarding the associate degree in Technology Studies, contact:

Jane Williams, Workforce Development Coordinator
Office of Innovation and Outreach
Connecticut State Colleges and Universities and Board of Regents for Higher Education
61 Woodland Street
Hartford, CT 06105
860-244-7614

For information on the CL&P program contact:

Tom Burns
Director of Training
860-665-5440

Dona Cassella
Director of Organization and Talent Development
860-665-5243