Technical Standards

Electrical Systems Technology Program Technical Standards

A student looking to enroll in the Electrical Systems Technology program (degree, certificate, and / or diploma) at Pitt Community College must meet the following technical standards:

The student must:

1. Have sufficient visual capacity to:
   1. Identify details on prints, schematics, and other documents
   2. Read and interpret display data on various meters and other test equipment
   3. Clearly distinguish all of the primary colors
   4. Distinguish small print on wire and terminal markings under low light conditions
2. Have adequate mechanical ability, strength and manual dexterity to:
   1. Work at a standing position for extended periods of time and bend, crouch and crawl
   2. Lift and move objects up to 50 lbs without mechanical assistance
   3. Climb ladders and work at elevated heights on scaffolds and/or mechanical lifts
   4. Operate power tools such as drills, saws, punches and benders
   5. Manipulate hand tools and wear a tool pouch for extended periods of time
   6. Install various equipment and materials both below surface level and above your head
   7. Withstand various outside environmental and climate conditions related to construction
3. Have auditory capacity to hear:
   1. Various pitches and tones emitted by testers and meters
   2. Sounds emitted by motors and equipment to determine proper operation, speed, etc.
   3. Communications from co-workers at moderate distance without line of sight
   4. Oral instructions over construction site noise created by other trades working on site
4. Be able to effectively communicate:
   1. Using the primary language of English
   2. Using a computer via a manual keyboard, mouse, and viewing a monitor / screen
   3. Through appropriate use of Smartphone technology
   4. With other team/group members in a controlled lab environment to complete projects
5. Have appropriate academic skills to:
   1. Take notes, read text assignments and follow safety guidelines as instructed
   2. Perform simple mathematical and algebraic calculations to solve problems
   3. Read and comprehend technical manuals, manufacturer’s specifications and instructions
   4. Start coursework out of sequence from listed recommendations in departmental publications
6. Have access to resources needed to:
   1. Meet registration requirements as outlined in PCC catalog
   2. Purchase appropriate hand tools and personal protective equipment needed in labs and on the job
   3. Acquire clothing appropriate for working in adverse environments
   4. Access the internet via computer/laptop/smartphone devices for PCC Moodle assignments

An Electrical career can include aspects from both office and field positions as well as sales and distribution.  Field / on-site positions provide the greatest exposure to many inherent risks and safety factors, but following safety procedures and using the appropriate protective equipment, the electrician is safer on the job than traveling to and from home and work. The ability to communicate, make reasonably good decisions, and be self-motivated and self-directed, and work well in teams should be an important consideration for individuals desiring to enter this program and profession.

Revised 2/10/2020