Utilities Technology

Students will be introduced to basic GPS principles including GPS corrections, constellations, navigation and primary industry uses. Students will have hands on experience with different data collection techniques using tablets and Trimble GPS devices.

Basic electricity as it applies to high voltage lines. The student learns to apply Ohm’s Law for DC circuits. The student learns basic generation and the effects of inductance and capacitance in the AC circuit.

Fundamental theory of high voltage power grid systems. The generating systems, transmission, subtransmission, distribution and service are studied.

Basic theory and design for the installation and construction of a high voltage overhead system. Installation and construction of an actual overhead system will be part of a lab project.

Basic theory and design for the installation and construction of a high voltage underground system. Installing and constructing an actual underground system will be part of a lab project.

OSHA, APPA and NESC rules, procedures and codes applied to the design and construction of overhead and underground lines.

Application of electrical formulas to practical circuits. Problems such as series and parallel circuits, solving for inductive and capacitive reactance, impedance, apparent, real and reactive power and power factor are common. Transformer, regulator, capacitor and metering applications are covered in detail in this course.

Continuation of PL 141.

System protection, sectionalizing and grounding procedures and basic fault procedures on underground low and high voltage lines.

Fundamental operation and maintenance of overhead distribution and transmission lines. Hands-on application will be utilized by operating and maintaining the lines built as part of PL 150.

Continuation of PL 171. Specific OSHA, APPA and NESC rules that apply to operating and maintaining overhead and underground lines. Includes hands-on procedures and pole top rescue.

This course introduces tools and techniques of data creation, data integration, mapping, and spatial analysis in geographic information systems (GIS). Students will create geodatabases for field GPS data collection. The course incorporates hands-on use of ESRI products.

This course introduces computer-aided drafting software for specific technologies. Emphasis is placed on understanding the software command structure and drafting standards for specific technical fields. Upon completion, students should be able to create and plot basic drawings.

An introduction to programing structured text languages using languages such as Blocky, C and Python. The use of a Microcontroller, on the VEX Robotics Platform, will give the student the basic concepts to understand code structure, Boolean logic, variables, strings, lists, and other data structures. The goal is for the student to learn the methods and thought processes behind planning a good set of instructions and steps before the programming process begins.

A continuation of CAD I moving onto advanced techniques. Advanced AutoCAD concepts such as assigning data to blocks and importing and exporting of AutoCAD files from and to other software are all covered. The majority of this class is in 2D drawing however 3D isometric views are covered.

Students will work with cloud GPS/GIS products including but not limited to ESRI, Trimble, and AgTerra products. This course will focus on the collection, analysis, intergration, management and product production leveraging cloud technology.

This course will be a continuation of Intro to GIS. Students will also be involved in GIS modeling, analyzing, problem solving, indoor mapping, planning, and geo-referencing for real world solutions. 

The course will focus on the collection, implementation, interpretation, and developement of remotely collected data. Students will have access to a variety of top of line industrial and consumer drones for flight and data collection. Will have access to ESRI, DroneDeploy, Pix4D, Adobe, and other products to create data, video products, mapping solutions, etc. to meet industry demands. Students will prepare take the Remote Pilot Certified Small UAS exam to become commercially certified Part 107 drone pilots.

Detailed instruction on the use of Microsoft Excel covering beginning, intermediate, and advanced concepts. Concepts covered include working with formulas and functions; creating and formatting charts graphs and pivot tables/pivot charts; sorting and filtering lists; data consolidation between multiple worksheets and workbooks; and importing and exporting of data.

Basics of electricity. Direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), electrical laws and symbols, circuit fundamentals, and the use of test equipment is taught. Electrical fundamentals related to heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems is emphasized. Projects are assigned using computer simulation programs and laboratory trainers.

Basic theories of heating. Typical heating equipment and appliances are reviewed. Maintenance procedures of gas, fuel oil and electric furnaces and boilers are studied. Projects include using computer simulation programs and lab trainers.

Introduces the basic theories of air conditioning and refrigeration. The proper operation and function of components in a cooling system are identified. Projects use computer simulation programs and lab trainers.

Introduction to lab trainers and equipment including heating and cooling equipment used in residential buildings. Projects use computer simulation programs.

Basic sheet metal and fittings. Use of sheet metal hand tools and equipment is taught. Procedures for duct layout and sheet metal terminology is reviewed. Use, maintenance and operating adjustments of sheet metal shop equipment. Pattern layout, fabrication, use of hand tools and assembly procedures are covered.

Continuation of HV 121. More detailed information about heating and refrigeration cycles is taught. Also covered are controls, new refrigerants, refrigerant recovery and recycling. A refrigerant certification test is administered.

 HVAC/R controls covered include low voltage, temperature, low/high, and oil pressure controls. Heat pump troubleshooting application and theory are also taught.

Maintenance, troubleshooting and installation of gas, fuel oil and electric furnaces, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Projects use computer simulation programs and lab trainers.

Preparation to work in and perform routine safety precautions with natural gas. Students will gain knowledge and skills required to assist an injured or suddenly ill person before professional emergency care can be provided.

An introduction to the fundamentals of transportation, storage and the regulations pertaining to propane, butane and natural gas.

An introduction to various aspects of the gas industry including development, economics, equipment, systems, instrumentation, operations, and various associated scientific principles and processes. The course gives students a basic introduction to the Natural Gas Technology program. Addressed will be a variety of topics with emphasis on predrilling and drilling including; pre-drilling planning, drilling, circulation systems, construction basics, simple completions, overview of production processes and equipment.

Applies curriculum studied in concurrent courses. Equipment operation including backhoe and loader operation, trencher and plow operations, directional boring and line locating.

OSHA Excavation Standard and safety and health aspects of excavation and trenching. Course topics include practical soil mechanics and their relationship to the stability of shored and unshored slopes and walls of excavations, introduction of various types of shoring (wood timbers and hydraulic), soil classification, and use of protective systems.

Customer service is a critical element in the success and future of all businesses that compete in today’s economy. It is more challenging than ever to attract and retain customers because more companies are competing for the same customer. This course is a study of issues in the workplace relating to effective customer service and emphasizes three different aspects of customer service: the profession, skills for success, and building and maintaining relationships. Through role play scenarios, collaborative learning activities, and application of concepts to real-world situations, students are introduced to the issues of ethics, problem solving, strategy implementation, empowerment, communications, motivation and leadership necessary for the delivery of exceptional customer service and customer retention.

Enables the student to apply common technical concepts used in the gas measurement industry. Computer based and instructor led training are blended with hands-on exercises to build a set of basic skills necessary to implement industry applied mathematics and physical laws necessary for advanced gas measurement training.

The gas industry has an enormous impact on all aspects of daily life. Individuals, corporations, and national governments make financial and policy decisions based on the cost, use, and availability of natural resources. This course reviews gas operations and markets including an overview of basic drilling operations, production, basic economics, processing and final transport. Students will be introduced to the cost of wells, seasonal impacts on prices, and the role of natural gas reserves.

The mechanisms of corrosion and the benefits of corrosion prevention and control planning. Students will identify good practices for setting up an optimal corrosion management scheme. An overview of top corrosion threats and their mitigation methods is taught and includes weld corrosion, external corrosion and stress corrosion cracking.

Students will be introduced to basic GPS principles and how they are applied to precision agriculture and GIS applications. Different GPS corrections and constellations and primary industry uses will be introduced as well as different GPS terms and how they are used in the industry. Once an aptitude is gained for the GPS, the course will shift to GIS operations in the agriculture industry.

Instruction in commercial transportation. Opportunities are provided for obtaining a Class A commercial drivers license. Arrangements are made for taking the test(s) required by the state. A Class A CDL is a requirement for graduation from several programs. A valid South Dakota driver’s license is required in order to complete the CDL training course. For students enrolling in a two-year program, this course must be completed by the end of their first year. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course. Please note: Students are required to show proof of a valid Class A CDL by the end of the 10th day of the semester in which the student is enrolled in order to drop this class.

An overview of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards focusing on hazard recognition and injury and illness prevention. The 10-hour construction program is intended to provide entry-level construction workers with awareness of hazards in and around the construction work site. Emphasis is placed on recognition and prevention and helps create a culture of safety. Upon successful completion the student will receive OSHA 10 certification.

This course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Students must complete the hands-on skill session. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course.