Electrical Maintenance and Automation Technology
Common Questions
What is the electrical maintenance field like?
Worldwide, there is an explosion in the use of automated equipment. Enter the door of any major business -
whether it's a hospital, manufacturing plant, power utility or office building - and you will find that it
is dependent upon electricity to power the equipment, and that it is a responsibility of maintenance
electricians to keep things running.
With such vast potential, the electrical maintenance field
offers variety, challenge, security and advancement potential.
What electrical programs does Spokane Community College offer?
SCC's electrical department offers two Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs: Electrical
Maintenance and Automation, and Power Systems Maintenance Technician (Bonneville Power apprentices only).
Both programs share a four-quarter core curriculum that is made up of in-depth electrical theory
and hands-on lab experience. Two additional quarters of specialized training complete each program. For
those students who can only make a three-quarter commitment to their education, an electrical trainee
certificate program is also available.
New students may enter these programs during fall or
winter quarters. The programs are designed for people who want to work for businesses or industries in the
fields of electrical maintenance and automation. They are not appropriate for people interested in becoming
residential electricians.
What do electrical maintenance and automation electricians do?
Every hospital, school, college and industrial complex needs people who can maintain and repair electrical
systems. A typical workday is filled with variety: tasks may be as simple as repairing a fluorescent light
or changing bearings on an electric motor, or they may be as involved as troubleshooting and repairing
complex motor control circuits and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems. From simple tasks to complex,
electrical maintenance and automation electricians must abide by a variety of local, state and national codes.
Entry-level electricians have the opportunity to gain journey level status, and to advance to foreman
or other supervisory positions where they will establish work schedules and set priorities for an entire maintenance
crew.
What do power systems maintenance technicians do?
Power system maintenance technicians maintain and operate the electrical power grid throughout the Northwest.
To be eligible for this degree, you must be chosen as a Bonneville Power apprentice.
What do I need to be successful in this field?
A good math background, manual dexterity, mechanical aptitude, critical thinking and reasoning are important
attributes for both programs. All students must pass a test for color blindness because of the use of color-coding
in the industry. Women generally have been well-accepted in the field, although there may be restrictions in some
jobs because of heavy lifting.
What classes will I take?
These two SCC programs - electrical maintenance and automation, and power systems maintenance technician
- are separate six-quarter programs, but they share a common four-quarter curriculum. The first four quarters
build a basic foundation in the electrical field through theory, safety, national electrical code and motor control.
Common core courses include electrical math, materials and fasteners, electrical theory, safety
and tools, DC circuits, raceways, AC and DC motors, solid state fundamentals, DC and AC motor controls,
national electrical codes. Students also take courses in first aid, technical writing, and leadership and
computer fundamentals.
After completing the basics, students specialize during their final two
quarters of instruction. Those who choose to study electrical maintenance and automation learn about
programmable logic controllers and advanced motor control circuits. Those who select power systems maintenance as
their specialty study hydraulic and pneumatic theory in their fifth quarter, followed by a cooperative education
work experience in their final quarter.
Where will I find a job?
With the ever-increasing use of electrical power and automated systems, it is likely there always will be
jobs for graduates from either of these programs.
Typically, the electrical maintenance and
automation electrician will find employment in large institutions or specialized manufacturing facilities.
Examples are entry-level positions with city, county and federal agencies, hospitals, colleges and school
districts, water districts, utilities, and manufacturing firms.
How much will I earn?
In the Inland Northwest, starting salaries for electricians in both of these specialized fields range from
$12 to $19 per hour, with the potential to advance to $15,000 to $60,000 per year. Advancements depend on
the person's work ethic, personality, skills and the employer. For those who choose to leave the area,
starting salaries typically are higher.