The Energy Systems Technology Program (EST) provides the “core” electronics curriculum that makes up the first year/ten months of a two year associate degree in one of two areas in the ESTEC program offered at Idaho State University (ISU). Students that complete the one year technical certificate are prepared to transfer to ISU to complete an associate degree.
ESTEC offers a unique approach to educating students by providing the specific knowledge and skills needed in electrical generation. The skills requirements have been developed in partnership with energy utilities and vendors to assure that program graduates enter the workforce with the precise skills required by industry. Students learn through traditional classroom experience as well as through extensive lab exercises. Electrical generation technologies addressed include nuclear, coal, gas, and renewable technologies such as wind, solar thermal energy, solar photovoltaic, geothermal, biomass, and hydro.
ESTEC is a public/private partnership between Idaho State University (ISU), Idaho National Laboratory (INL), and Partners for Prosperity. Curriculum and laboratory resources were developed with external funding from the US Department of Labor and the National Science Foundation. Employers include public utilities, independent energy generation companies, renewable energy producers, energy service companies, power generation equipment manufacturers, installers and constructors. The courses listed in the program will be taught in sequential blocks of instruction. Successful completion of a course is required before the student will progress in the program.
Program Costs
Students can expect to spend approximately $1,200 on text books, equipment, tools, and lab fees.
Intended Learning Outcome
- Create, operate, maintain, and document the electrical and mechanical systems of industrial equipment and process control
- Demonstrate safe work practices following NEC, OSHA, NFPA, Lock-Out/Tag-Out, and other required guidelines
- Analyze, test, and measure basic electronics, power controls, and process control
- Understand, demonstrate, and value attributes of professionalism
- Thirty-five to thirty-six (35-36) Credits
- Financial Aid Eligible
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