Cutting-edge energy programs ensure continued reliable electricity

Basin Electric is committed to providing reliable and affordable electricity to its members and the cooperative is dedicated to ensuring there is a workforce than can carry out that task.  As a result, the cooperative works in partnership with two of the top colleges in its service area, Bismarck (North Dakota) State College (BSC) and Mitchell (South Dakota) Technical College (MTC) to provide cutting-edge programs in the field of energy generation, maintenance, transmission, and many areas in between, allowing them to attract and fill the need for the skilled professionals that will ensure the cooperative will continue to grow and thrive. 

BSC’s National Energy Center of Excellence (NECE) provides the education and training necessary to meet the needs of this ever-growing industry both in North Dakota and across the country. Programs offered include Power Generation Technology, Electrical Transmission, Energy Service and Renewable Technician, and Nuclear Power Technology. NECE also offers a Lineworker program, which is the only one of its kind in North Dakota. The program is taught at a specialized facility northwest of Mandan, North Dakota, where students get hands-on training in all facets of power line construction and equipment operation and maintenance. 

“BSC has designed our programming and curriculum in a structure that allows for responsive, timely updates and adjustments to meet the changes happening within the energy sector,” says Alicia Uhde, BSC Dean of Automation, Energy, and Advanced Technologies. “This ensures that students are learning relevant and up-to-date skills.”

At MTC, the emphasis is on hands-on training, cutting-edge technology, and industry partnerships. MTC offers a range of programs that prepare students for successful careers in the energy industry. “Our major goal is to supply companies with quality workers,” says Mike Puetz, MTC director of MTC’s Power Line program. “The fact that 80% of all workers in the energy field in South Dakota are graduates of Mitchell Tech is a good indicator that we are meeting that goal.” 

MTC offers the only Power Line program in South Dakota, which teaches students the application and theory of the distribution and transmission of electrical power. Part of the program requires students to complete outside lab work, including the installation of transformers and metering for overhead and underground distribution systems.

MTC also has a Wind Turbine Technology program that teaches students the basics of turbines, hydraulics, and electronic networks, which allow systems to communicate. MTC is one of the few schools in the nation to have an operational 1.5-megawatt wind turbine where students get hands-on experience as they climb the turbine located at Crow Lake Wind Project near White Lake, South Dakota. Crow Lake Wind is a Basin Electric-owned wind project and the largest wind project owned solely by a cooperative in the United States.

Other energy programs offered at MTC include Electrical Utilities and Substation Technology, with access to a live electrical substation to provide hands-on training and experience with the same type of equipment a student might encounter in the field, a Natural Gas Technology program, and a Utility Technician program. All programs are taught by instructors who have real-world experience in their fields and can offer the latest and most valuable training available. 

Energy programs play a crucial role in preparing students for rewarding careers in the energy industry. The programs offer a diverse range of options, from traditional fossil fuel generation to cutting-edge renewable energy technologies. 

As the energy landscape continues to evolve and electricity needs across the country grow, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is as important as ever. Energy programs at NECE and MTC not only provide students with a strong foundation but also contribute to the workforce, helping to power the nation's future. By offering a comprehensive education that combines classroom learning with practical experience, they are playing a vital role in shaping the future of the energy sector and ensuring a sustainable energy future for all. 

Read more about the energy programs offered at BSC and MTC and why they are critical to meeting future energy needs in Energizing education at Bismarck State College and Mitchell Tech in the Fall 2023 of Basin Today.