Nearly all high-performance employers report a significant shortage of skilled workers to fill critical jobs in their organizations. That shortage is expected to continue for many years. It is estimated that 50 percent of the electric utility industry?s technical personnel will retire in the next 5 to 7 years, leaving a huge demand for skilled technicians.

Recent studies indicate that the need for highly skilled technicians will be greater than the number of qualified workers. This presents great career opportunities for graduates from the Power Plant Technology specialty. Graduates are prepared to enter this important industry sector in challenging, high paying positions with upward mobility.

OSU Institute of Technology?s Engineering Technologies Division offers a ?real world? or hands-on learning environment where students interact with industry-experienced faculty. OSU Institute of Technology offers an integrated approach to learning where topics such as computer literacy, math, science, and communication are an integral part of the education experience.

A partial listing of course topics covered in the Power Plant Technology Associate in Applied Science degree program includes:

• Power Plant Mechanical and Electrical Equipment
• AC and DC Circuit Analysis
• Instrumentation and Control
• Programmable Logic Control
• Advanced Power Plant Systems

The OSU Institute of Technology Engineering Technologies Division offers an internship experience within each program of study. Students gain field experience under the direction of industry professionals and academic advisors. The intern performs in paid employment status and will be granted university credits upon successful completion of the program.