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Associate in Specialized Technology Degree

Through the operation of the college power plant and maintenance of its utilities, students gain valuable practical experience preparing them for positions in the power and utilities industries. Students take turns with shift work, which includes readings and adjustments, start-up and shutdown of plant equipment, daily water treatment tests, and mechanical and electrical maintenance.

Students also learn the proper operation, maintenance, and testing of boilers, turbines, diesel engines, electric generators, switch gear, pumps and other auxiliary equipment, as well as the theory of nuclear, fossil fuel, hydroelectric and other systems of power generation. The NUS Training Corporation’s video-based power plant training program has been incorporated as part of the technical curriculum. The basic principles of electricity, electrical power, motor controls, wiring diagrams, engineering mechanics, and mechanical and electrical systems are also covered, along with accident prevention, foremanship, and management. Additional courses to strengthen students’ knowledge and skills include boiler/turbine instrumentation, welding, and metal survey. On an annual basis, students have participated in a power plant maintenance shutdown at a local refuse-to-steam plant.

Academics

Introduction to the Program

“Students also learn the proper operation, maintenance, and testing of boilers, turbines, diesel engines, electric generators, switch gear, pumps and other auxiliary equipment, as well as the theory of nuclear, fossil fuel, hydroelectric and other systems of power generation.”

Scott Chilman, Director of Power Plant Technology and Utility Systems

Employment Information

Potential Power Plant Jobs

  • Assistant Superintendent
  • Auxiliary Operator
  • Boiler Service Technician
  • Building Automation Systems Technician
  • Calibration Technician
  • Combustion Engineer
  • Distribution System Operator
  • Electro-Mechanical Technician
  • Energy Service Technician
  • Equipment Operator
  • Field Project Manager
  • Field Service Technician
  • Instrumentation and Control Technician
  • Instrumentation Maintenance Technician
  • Junior Designer
  • Lineman
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Master Coordinator
  • OM Stationary Engineer
  • Operator
  • Power Dispatcher
  • Process Control Engineer
  • Production Technician
  • Reliability Field Engineer
  • Service Technician
  • Stationary Engineer
  • Turbine Specialist
  • Utility Operator

Who Has Hired Our Graduates?

  • AECOM
  • Aker Philadelphia Shipyard
  • Analytical & Combustion Systems
  • Atlantic City Electric
  • Atlantic Valve Service
  • California Boiler
  • Calpine Corporation
  • CBRE Group
  • Constellation Energy
  • Covanta
  • Delcora
  • Delval Equipment Corp.
  • Einstein Medical Center
  • Exelon Corp.
  • HPM Contracting
  • ICON Information Consultants
  • IHI Power Services Corp.
  • IPS-Integrated Project Services
  • ITG Brands
  • Jacobs Engineering
  • James Controls
  • J&J Snack Foods Corp
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Johnson Matthey
  • Monroe Energy
  • NAES Corporation
  • Navsea
  • NextEra Energy, Inc.
  • PBF Energy
  • PECO
  • Pepco Holdings
  • PJM
  • Power Solutions, LLC
  • PPL Electric Utilities
  • Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corp.
  • Proconex, Inc
  • PSEG
  • Seiberlich Trane Energy Services
  • TC Energy
  • TekSolv
  • Thermal Tech
  • Thomas B. Mansfield
  • TIMET
  • U. of Pennsylvania Hospital
  • W.C. Rouse & Son
  • WEC Energy Group
  • Win Waste Innovations
  • Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.
  • Win Waste Innovations
  • Zeeco, Inc.

Power Plant Technology Courses

BLPR 112 Power Plant Blueprint Reading I

Using the drawings of equipment and flow diagrams in the Williamson power plant, instructs power plant technology students in reading and understanding the different styles of drafting used in piping or electrical drawings and the symbols used to represent various fittings, valves, and pipe sizes.
.5

BLPR 113 Architectural Blueprint Reading

Acquaints building trade students with the different styles of residential and commercial construction and the symbols used to represent various construction materials. Also offers additional practice in reading specifications and making cost estimates from blueprints.
.5

BLPR 117 Electrical Drawings

Covers the drawings typically associated with substations and the skills needed for their interpretation. Provides detailed instruction on elementary, schematic, and general component arrangement drawings. Also covers wiring diagrams and drawing schedules.
.5

BLPR 123 Power Plant Blueprint Reading II

Using drawings from actual power plants and refineries, instructs power plant technology students in reading and understanding the different styles of drafting. Continues to provide familiarization and practice in reading specifications, interpreting bills of material, and estimating costs from blueprints.
.5

BLPR 241 Advanced Mechanical Blueprint Reading

Continues to develop students’ ability to recognize standard graphic symbols dealing with machine threads, tolerance allowances, and the various styles of dimensioning used in the industry along with reading finishes and material requirements.
2

BUSN 102 Introduction to Business

Introduces students to the business world, emphasizing the terminology used in business. Explores the events and economic conditions that affect business. Discusses business in a global environment, the various forms of business, the social responsibility of business and the functions of accounting, marketing, management, and human resource management. Also explores the role of technology in business.
3

BUSN 241 Foremanship and Supervision

Prepares students to become supervisors in a business setting. Includes an overview of the role of supervisors and a detailed look at each of the many jobs they perform.
3

BUSN 251 Personal Finance

Acquaints the student with a model for personal financial planning as a method for managing his financial resources and improving his life-style by establishing and achieving financial goals. Topics include the American banking system, budgeting, record keeping, insurance, basics of investing, and retirement and estate planning.
3

BUSN 253 Small Business Start-Up

Provides students with a detailed overview of the knowledge, skills, theory, and applications associated with starting a business, specifically in the trades. This includes a business plan and marketing plan.
3

CARP 111 Basic Carpentry Theory I

Introduces construction materials, including lumber, engineered panels, other engineered lumber products, and fasteners. Thoroughly covers manual hand tools, portable power tools, and stationary power tools. Accident prevention and safety practices are emphasized throughout.
3

CARP 112 Basic Carpentry Skills I

Gives practice in basic carpentry skills with emphasis on the safe and proper uses of hand tools by constructing wood joints in the shop and by working on school maintenance, renovation, and new construction projects. Also emphasizes on-the-job safety.
4.5

CARP 121 Basic Carpentry Theory II

Introduces the different prints that are needed to construct a building and the various building codes and regulations involved in construction. Provides basic instruction in building layout and surveying methods. Introduces the tools and formulas for concrete estimating and how to make and use forms for various applications of concrete. Covers the proper and safe construction of scaffolds. Accident prevention and safety practices are emphasized throughout.
3

CARP 122 Basic Carpentry Skills II

Teaches the safe and proper use of electric hand tools and stationary power equipment through assignments in the shop using wood and wood products. Also, further develops basic carpentry skills through supervised maintenance, renovation, and new construction projects.
4.5

CARP 231 Intermediate Carpentry Theory I

Provides thorough instruction in framing applications, including: the proper estimation, sizing, and installation of various floor framing systems; the proper procedures for estimation and construction of an extension and load-bearing wall system; the proper installation of interior framing members; construction procedures using metal studs; and roof construction, including rafter layout and material calculations.
3.5

CARP 232 Intermediate Carpentry Skills I

Develops competency in tasks such as rough framing, layout of joists, bridging, sheathing, wall framing systems, layout of common and hip roofs, and skills involved in layout and installation of door hardware. Safe hand and power tool skills are continually developed through supervised maintenance projects. The student must also plan and budget his time for the successful completion of required shop projects.
4

CARP 241 Intermediate Carpentry Theory II

Provides instruction in various aspects of interior and exterior finish applications, including: insulation and ventilation; roofing; cornice construction; window installation; exterior door frame and door construction and installation; siding installation; drywall construction; wall paneling and wall tile; ceiling finish applications; and interior trim applications.
3.5

CARP 242 Intermediate Carpentry Skills II

Develops competency in tasks such as interior and exterior finishes, door and window installations, and interior millwork. Competencies in these areas are developed through the layout and construction of projects. Further development of practical skills is provided through supervised work on maintenance, renovation, and new construction projects.
3.5

CARP 251 Advanced Carpentry Theory I

Provides instruction in various aspects of interior finish applications, including: interior doors and door frames; stair framing; and finish floors.
3

CARP 252 Advanced Carpentry Skills I

Develops competency in such tasks as the cutting and installation of stair horses and finish stair skirt boards. Also includes the application of project management principles through hands-on experiences as shop foreman and job foreman on campus projects. As a foreman, the senior will assume the responsibilities of job supervision, estimating, ordering of materials, and teaching the safe and proper methods of construction to underclassmen. Includes more hands-on shop time to develop carpentry skills further.
6

CARP 261 Advanced Carpentry Theory II

Provides instruction in the types, layout, construction, and installation of cabinets and countertops, including fabrication and installation of Corian. Also explores other trades and their impact on the construction process, particularly electrical work and plumbing.
1.5

CARP 262 Advanced Carpentry Skills II

Provides experience in supervising other students in actual work situations and applying project management skills. Gives students increasingly specialized training in the shop and progressively more difficult tasks on actual construction projects. Includes more hands-on shop time to develop carpentry skills further.
6

CARP 263 Topics in Advanced Carpentry Skills II

Provides experience in supervising other students in actual work situations and applying project management skills. Gives students increasingly specialized training in the shop and progressively more difficult tasks on actual construction projects. Includes more hands-on shop time to develop carpentry skills further.
3

CMGT 101 Fundamentals of the Construction Industry I

Provides a general overview of the planning, administration, management, and cost of construction projects and an introduction to the methodology used in executing specific designs. Emphasizes the organization of construction firms, use and types of primary construction equipment, estimating and quantity take-offs, contractual and management systems, scheduling, project administration, and inspection of construction operations.
3

CMGT 102 Fundamentals of the Construction Industry II

Introduces the design process and development of construction documents. Covers the standard design phases: programming, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents and construction administration, and the format and utilization of project manuals including contract specifications, the interpretation and analysis of engineering plans and specifications, and the new technologies being used in the design including Building Informational Modeling (BIM) and sustainable (green) practices. Also explores the various common project delivery methods.
3

CMGT 103 Project Building Systems

Provides instruction in the description and identification of the equipment and materials used in mechanical systems for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, piping, gas, lighting, water and waste water, conveyance, life safety systems, environmental, security, audio/visual, and building system controls. Also introduces building structural and envelope systems.
3

CMGT 104 Project Administration

Provides exposure to and use of various types of projects control systems for project efficiency and documentation. Covers how the submittal process operates and is monitored. Reviews a variety of tools used in tracking project documentation, and essential elements related to contract law and administration.
3

CMGT 105 Construction Safety and Loss Prevention

Offers a practical guide for eliminating safety and health hazards from construction worksites. Covers program development, safety and health program implementation, intervention, and prevention of construction incidents, regulatory hazards faced by those working in the construction industry and sources of information. Also features updates for construction regulations, construction job audit, training requirements, and OSHA regulations. Includes new record keeping guidelines and forms with additional material on focused inspections. Provides updated contact information for the newest agencies and presents a model safety and health program, and examples of accident analysis and prevention approaches.
3

CMGT 106 Construction Cost Accounting, Estimating, and Finance

Introduces various costs of construction including direct and indirect project costs, comparison of hard and soft costs, job cost analysis and forecasting of cost to completion, labor, material and equipment expenses, cash flow, overhead, profitability, and general conditions costs. Covers research techniques used to create accurate estimating and bidding procedures.
3

CMGT 107 Construction Project Planning and Scheduling

Provides instruction in procedures used in project planning and scheduling that employ float methods of scheduling logic. Examines the critical path series of activities of project completion, including the use of computer software applications for problem solving, and related tools, spreadsheets, and information management. Also covers work breakdown structures, activity durations, status reports, resource allocation, re-planning, monitoring, and updating of projects. Students will develop project site logistics plans.
3

CMGT 141 Construction Take-Off

Develops fundamental construction estimating skills especially during the construction take-off process. This includes general conditions, material quantities, concrete, rough carpentry, electrical work, masonry (brick and block), steel, mechanical work, finish applications, and labor. It involves familiarization with formal bids, insurance, and bonds. Students will be expected to identify and use appropriate math formulas, interpret construction plans and specifications, and compile essential data to develop an actual estimate, including summaries and costs by category.
2.5

CMGT 209 Building Energy Systems for Construction Managers

Provides a conceptual understanding of functions and performances of energy systems including mechanical, electrical, electronic, and plumbing and transport systems in residential and commercial buildings. Also provides information on integration between energy systems and other building components. Introduces the concepts of alternative energy sources, energy efficiency, structural implications of mechanical systems, indoor air quality, and environmental control strategies. Familiarizes students with more recent and current efforts in sustainability and green building ideas. Also introduces codes and standards relevant to energy devices used in building construction, such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and National Electrical Code (NEC).
3

CMGT 210 Building Construction Systems & Codes

Provides a conceptual understanding of functions and performance of structural building systems. Familiarizes students with use of construction code with reference to International Building Codes (IBC) 2012. Provides an understanding of how the code was developed, how it is to be interpreted, and how it is applied to design and construction of buildings, with the goal of making implementation of the code easier and clearer to understand. Discusses structural elements and their construction methods, use and occupancy, types of construction, fire-resistive constructions, interior finishes, building materials, inspections, and tests.
3

CNCP 241 Introduction to CNC Programming

Provides a foundational introduction to computer-numerical control machining, including its history, evolution, use, and application in the industry. Also include an overview of different types of formatting and codes as well as approaches.
1.5

CNCP 242 Introduction to CNC Practice

Provides opportunities for the simultaneous application of knowledge gained in CNCP 241.
1

CNCP 251 CNC Programming I

Examines the purpose and history of computer-numerical-controlled machines (CNC) and provides instruction in the writing of basic CNC programs using the incremental and absolute methods of the Cartesian coordinate system. Also prepares students to write individual manual programs that include standard industrial preparatory and miscellaneous codes for machine tool programming.
2

CNCP 252 CNC Practice I

Provides instruction in the safe set-up and operation of CNC machines and practical training in entering programs, setting tool lengths, proving and modifying programs, and handling and transferring data and use of Computer Aided Manufacturing software.
1.5

CNCP 261 CNC Programming II

Offers an introduction to computer-aided machining (CAM), including programming jobs directly from CAD data and from prints by geometric definition. Covers two-and-one-half and 3-axis programming and manual programming applying standard industry codes to CNC lathes and machining centers.
2

CNCP 262 CNC Practice II

Provides advanced instruction in the operation of CNC machines and CAM programming, including entering and editing programs, handling and transferring data through direct numerical control (DNC), and performing set-up and fixturing of parts and machines.
2

COMM 110 Effective Speaking

Teaches students the principles of articulate speaking through familiarization with concepts and mechanics of spoken communication and through practical usage. Develops understanding of speech processing, speech-building (including research), speech delivery, non-verbal communication, self- and peer-evaluation, problem solving, and terminology associated with the physical act of speaking. Provides instruction in the successful performance of six types of speeches (memorized passage, impromptu, extemporaneous, demonstrative, persuasive, and informative). Includes study of the founder’s history.
3

COMM 120 Basic Writing

Provides instruction in the fundamentals of English composition, including writing summaries, narratives, instructional analysis, descriptive prose, extended definitions and a research paper reflecting a single point of view on a controversial topic.
3