TDCJ Electrical and Power Transmission

Electrical and Power Transmission Program Information

Note: Criminal history may disqualify individuals from obtaining or maintaining any certifications.

TEXAS LAW:

restricts the issuance of occupational licenses based on a license applicant’s criminal history; and
authorizes the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), in some cases, to consider a person convicted, even though the person was only on probation or community supervision without a conviction. The TDLR may be consulted for approvals.

Individuals who have been convicted of an offense or placed on probation might not be eligible for an occupational license issued by TDLR even after completing an educational or training program.

TDLR’s criminal history guidelines are available at www.tdlr.texas.gov/crimconvict.htm and include restrictions or guidelines TDLR uses to determine eligibility for an occupational license; and individuals have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from TDLR, which is explained in more detail at www.tdlr/texas.gov/crimhistoryeval.htm.

ELPT-1215. Electric Calculations I. (2 Credits)

This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Introduction to mathematical applications utilized to solve problems in the electrical field. Topics include fractions, decimals, percentages, simple equations, ratio and proportion, unit conversions, and applied geometry.

ELPT-1221. Introduction to Electrical Safety and Tools. (2 Credits)

This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Safety rules and regulations. Includes the selection, inspection, use, and maintenance of common tools for electricians.

ELPT-1225. National Electrical Code I. (2 Credits)

This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. An introductory study of the National Electric Code (NEC) for those employed in fields requiring knowledge of the Code. Emphasis on wiring design, protection, methods and materials; equipment for general use and basic calculations.

ELPT-1411. Basic Electrical Theory. (4 Credits)

This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Basic theory and practice of electrical circuits. Includes calculations as applied to alternating and direct current.

ELPT-1429. Residential Wiring. (4 Credits)

This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Wiring methods for single family and multi-family dwellings. Includes load calculations, service entrance sizing, proper grounding techniques, and associated safety procedures.

ELPT-1445. Commercial Wiring. (4 Credits)

This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Commercial wiring methods. Includes overcurrent protection, raceway panel board installation, proper grounding techniques and associated safety procedures.

ELPT-2239. Electrical Power Distribution. (2 Credits)

This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Design operation, and technical details of modern power distribution systems including generating equipment, transmission lines, plant distribution, and protective devices. Includes calculations of fault current, system load analysis, rated, and power economics.

HYDR-1405. Basic Hydraulics. (4 Credits)

This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Fundamentals of hydraulics including safety types of hydraulic pumps, cylinders, valves, motors, and related systems. Introduction to hydraulic schematic symbols as related to components.

What Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers Do

Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.

SUMMARY

Electrician
2021 Median Pay: $94,790 per year or $45.57 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in Related Occupation: None
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2021: 43,700
Job Outlook, 2021-31: -15% (Decline)
Employment Change: 2021-31; -6,500

Work Environment

Most power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers work full-time. Many work rotating 8- or 12-hour shifts.

How to Become a Power Plant Operator, Distributor, or Dispatcher

Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent combined with extensive on-the-job training that may include a combination of classroom and hands-on training. Many jobs require a background check and drug and alcohol screenings. Nuclear power reactor operators also need a license.

Pay

The median annual wage for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers was $94,790 in May 2021.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is projected to decline 15 percent from 2021 to 2031.

Despite declining employment, about 3,200 openings for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

SUGGESTED CITATION:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/power-plant-operators-distributors-and-dispatchers.htm (visited May 31, 2023).

Some careers in this field will require a bachelor's degree.

TVCC's AA degrees are fully transferable to public universities in Texas. See an academic advisor for more information on this transfer opportunity.
Many of TVCC's AAS degrees lead to an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degree with participating universities. See an academic advisor for more information on this transfer opportunity.