Begin a challenging and exciting career as a utility line mechanic or cable splicer

Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) has partnered with Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Manchester Community College and Middlesex Community College to offer a new electric power pathway. Completion of the Electric Power Technology Program earns students an associate degree in Technology Studies and prepares qualified candidates for a career as an electric power utility line mechanic or cable splicer.

The pathway features academic courses at Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Manchester Community College and Middlesex Community College. Online courses are also offered through Bismarck State College. In addition, hands-on training at CL&P’s Training Center, and summer and winter field internship experiences at one of CL&P’s work centers are also offered.

Degree specifications

Students who complete a total of 67 credit hours earn an associate degree in Technology Studies.

• 45 credit hours of academic courses are required at the community college.
• 22 credit hours of online courses are required through Bismarck State College.
• Required courses include (view full listing of required courses(PDF)) 
• General core requirements in English, History and Economics
• Chemistry, Physics and Pre-Calculus
• Technical Drafting and Basic Print Reading
• Electrical System Fundamentals, Components and Protection Electrical Industry Safety

Training and field internship

In addition to earning an associate degree in Technology Studies, students will also gain valuable work experience through hands-on training at CL&P’s Training Center and field internship experiences at one of CL&P’s work centers. Students are required to participate in the field internships, working 40 hours per week during the entire summer and winter breaks. The internship includes evaluations by CL&P supervisors.

Through this training and work experience, students will receive:

• First Aid/CPR certificate
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Applying for the academic program

• Begin the application process by applying to the Technology Studies option at Northwestern CT Community College, Manchester Community College or Middlesex Community College.

Acceptance into the internship program

The following eligibility requirements must be fulfilled prior to acceptance into the internship program:

• Satisfactory results of a background check that includes a review of driving history, criminal offenses and a pre-employment drug screen.
• Completion of a skills assessment at CL&P’s Training Center, including activities to test applicants’ strength, endurance, and ability to work in elevated positions and enclosed spaces.

Students who have successfully completed the skills assessment, have passed the academic placement tests, and meet all other requirements, will be considered for acceptance into the internship program. Class size is limited and some applicants may be placed on a wait list. The final stage in the application process is a formal interview with CL&P management.

• Students accepted into the internship program must also pass the Construction and Skilled Trades (CAST) test within six months of being accepted into the internship program. The CAST test is an employment test administered by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) that includes a series of aptitude tests in Graphic Arithmetic, Mechanical Concepts, Reading for Comprehension and Mathematical Usage.

Program tuition and fees

Tuition, lab fees and books will cost approximately $7,100 per year for Connecticut residents. CL&P will provide a $600 stipend each semester, provided students maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Information regarding financial aid and tuition reimbursement is available through the Connecticut community colleges.

Contact Sharon Gusky at 860-738-6395 from Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Catherine Seaver at 860-512-2623 from Manchester Community College or Hubert Godin at 860-343-5776 from Middlesex Community College.

Potential employment

Upon completion of the associates degree in Technology Studies, students will be guaranteed an interview if positions are available.

CL&P offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental care, life insurance, a 401k plan, dependent care assistance, flexible benefits and if qualified, continuing education reimbursements.