Electricity is one of America’s most vital resources, and is a critical element of the country’s infrastructure, national defense system and overall way of life. At the moment you flip on the first light switch each morning, you are connecting to a huge network of people, electric lines, power plants and generating equipment. Within the growing sector of power generation, fossil-fueled power plants account for a great deal of the electricity produced and used in the United States. As the need for electricity continues to grow, and as the existing workforce in our nation’s power plants continue to near retirement, the opportunities available to begin an exciting career in a fossil power plant are plentiful.
Working in a fossil power plant means you'll be right in the middle of the action, putting your technical skills to work every day. It is critical that plant operators and maintenance personnel are highly trained and experienced to ensure that the plants operate efficiently, safely and in an environmentally sound manner. Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and Youngstown State University (YSU) have partnered with several power generating companies, to build a structured Power Plant Technology (PPT) training program that will provide the education, experience and skills necessary to jump into this thriving industry. While studying the coursework offered through one of these technical training programs, you will learn about the operation and maintenance of plant equipment and tools, as well as rigging and system troubleshooting. Well qualified students may also have the opportunity to complete a paid internship at one of several fossil power plants prior to graduation. When available, these opportunities require that a student has completed their first two semesters of coursework and possess a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
Students who successfully complete their two year academic program will be awarded an Associates of Technical Studies degree in Power Plant Technology, and will be given consideration for full-time employment with power generating companies upon graduation. To see some of the operation and maintenance jobs that you can pursue in our fossil power plants, please visit our www.firstenergycorp.com/careers (PSI) webpage.
Registration Process
STEP 1: Attend Program Orientation - This is your opportunity to learn more about the Technology Program and a career in Power Plant Technology
STEP 2: Register for admission at Cuyahoga Community College and also with Youngstown State University (www. ysu.edu)
STEP 3: Placement Testing - Prior to registering in classes, you'll take placement testing in English and Math.
STEP 4: Meet with Power Plant Technology Advisor
STEP 5: Enroll in Cuyahoga Community College Courses and Power Plant Technology program.