Biggest class ever for PTDT celebrated at OSU-OKC

One of the state’s critical occupations is getting a boost thanks to OSU-OKC.

This semester’s enrollees in the Power Transmission and Distribution Technology program at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City make up the largest cohort in the history of the program.

Electrical power line installers and repairers are among Oklahoma’s Top 100 Critical Occupations with an average of 280 annual openings and median annual earnings of $62,358.40.

Terry Clinefelter is the Department Head of Construction Technologies at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City. He says the program gives students direct, firsthand experience. 

"The program is hands on from day one,” Clinefelter said. “Students are working with industry level equipment and learning to climb poles right from the start."

The program was reworked two years ago in collaboration with OGE and other industry partners.

This revamp has contributed to the program's updates and the increased application numbers among students. For fall 2024, 96 students are enrolled in the program, the highest ever.  

The addition of more daytime sections has provided students with greater opportunities to enter a high-demand, critical job sector that remains in need throughout the state.

Clinefelter said the revamp aids both industry and trainees.

 “Industry support for this degree from OGE and others in this critical Oklahoma job sectors leads to amazing high paying career opportunities that support the state,” Clinefelter said. 

This program prepares individuals to work in the electrical power transmission and distribution industry, both public and private. People choosing this career, one of the most demanding, will be required to work out of doors in all kinds of weather and conditions. Coursework in electrical principles, safety, pole climbing, driver safety, high voltage transmission and distribution, and field work qualify the graduate to work in the numerous public and private power utilities around Oklahoma and the United States. Program graduates can expect to find employment in many segments of the power industry, normally start out in an apprenticeship program, and can expect to work up to a journeyman lineman position. Employment data indicates this will be a field with high demand for new employees.

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Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) is part of the modern land-grant system of Oklahoma State University. OSU-OKC is a two-year public institution, offering more than 40 degrees and certificate options. Through quality education, a supportive environment, leadership training and service opportunities, OSU-OKC trains students to work and educates them to lead. OSU-OKC graduates are found throughout the community serving as police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, healthcare professionals and business owners. More information is available at www.osuokc.edu.