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 What is Electrical Transmission Systems Technology?
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Michael Carlson Apprentice Distribution System Operator Colorado Springs Utilities Colorado Springs, CO 
It was the winter of 2006 and while I wasn't unhappy with my job as a General Utilities Dispatcher, I certainly was no longer challenged. I definitely needed a career change. I began looking at the different fields of the utilities industry and decided that the electric industry was where I wanted to specialize. A co-worker suggested I look into online courses. Having never participated in any form of online schooling I was apprehensive at best. My search led me to Bismarck State College's online Energy Program.Bismarck State College offered exactly what I was looking for in their Energy Education program. I immediately sent away for more information and promptly received my packet. Since I had never taken online courses I had lots of questions, and found the admissions staff at Bismarck State College more than helpful to answer all of them. They helped me transfer my existing college credits from another school, helped me with the scheduling specifics of the program and which program was right for me. In addition I found the class advisors to be exceptional and always willing to help. I never had to wait long at all for a response to any email or phone call. I began the Electrical Transmission System Technology program in the summer of 2007. I was at first still nervous about online learning and wondered about the quality of the education I would receive. I was looking forward to the ability to "go to class" any time of day that worked into my schedule. Since I was already a dispatcher I did work shift, the 24 hour availability of the online forum was amazing. I never had any trouble getting logged into class in the 2 years, which in itself is unheard of given the nature of computers and the internet. The instructors themselves in my opinion were remarkable in their knowledge of the industry and the material they were teaching. It was also very comforting to know that most all of the instructors are themselves are shift workers and able to understand the demands of shift work. Each and every instructor always answered any question I had, and I had more than my share of questions. I was also impressed with the fact that you did have the same instructors for some of the classes and were able to build a rapport with them. On more than one occasion the instructors remembered me from previous classes. This made me feel very "in touch" even though it was an online program. The instructors genuinely wanted you to succeed. I found the courses to be set up in a logical order in that each class builds your understanding and gets you ready for the next class. Even though the courses are advertised as self paced there is enough structure to keep you on target so that you don't get behind. Each course had clearly defined goals and objectives. I never once had a question of "what do I do next?" I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion areas, I was able to learn as much from other students as the course itself. The interface of each course was identical which I actually found to be great, the screens are set up in a very easy to understand way and clearly labeled, no searching the page for some obscure link. The simulations and interactive tools that are provided for some of the classes are very easy to understand and use. I completed the ETST program in 4 semesters and I can say that it is one of the biggest reasons for my current position. I am now an apprentice Distribution System Operator at the same utility and well on my way to becoming a journeyman Distribution Operator. Eventually I plan on taking the next step and becoming a Transmission Operator and will definitely use Bismarck State College for my CEH's. The ETST program at Bismarck State has been instrumental to me achieving goals and career change. |
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