Power Plant Operations

  • 12 Months
  • 400 Course Hours
  • $2,595

Overview

Generally, power plant operators enter the workforce in entry-level positions and work their way up, sometimes to senior management positions. Currently a large portion of the workforce is retiring, creating a critical shortage of technical workers for many years to come. Very few institutions provide training for entry-level operators. This is a unique, user-friendly program designed for people who have minimal knowledge of the industry, math, physics, or chemistry. The necessary science concepts are built into the program modules.  Power plant operators have the responsibility to make sure unit and process systems function properly. They consider personnel safety as the primary objective and ensure production processes are operating safely. They continually monitor instrumentation and the operation of equipment and make adjustments to keep system process variables within acceptable ranges. Operators also detect potential and actual problems and take corrective action to prevent the interruption of system operations.

Depending upon industry and location, entry-level power plant operators can make $13.00 to $20.00 per hour. After a few years of experience, generally the pay range is $18.00 to $30.00 per hour. Benefits are usually above-average for workers, and operators are rarely laid off.

Prerequisites

To enroll in this program, you should have basic keyboarding and computer skills, and be comfortable navigating the Internet and using e-mail. You should have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Overview

Generally, power plant operators enter the workforce in entry-level positions and work their way up, sometimes to senior management positions. Currently a large portion of the workforce is retiring, creating a critical shortage of technical workers for many years to come. Very few institutions provide training for entry-level operators. This is a unique, user-friendly program designed for people who have minimal knowledge of the industry, math, physics, or chemistry. The necessary science concepts are built into the program modules.  Power plant operators have the responsibility to make sure unit and process systems function properly. They consider personnel safety as the primary objective and ensure production processes are operating safely. They continually monitor instrumentation and the operation of equipment and make adjustments to keep system process variables within acceptable ranges. Operators also detect potential and actual problems and take corrective action to prevent the interruption of system operations.

Depending upon industry and location, entry-level power plant operators can make $13.00 to $20.00 per hour. After a few years of experience, generally the pay range is $18.00 to $30.00 per hour. Benefits are usually above-average for workers, and operators are rarely laid off.

Prerequisites

To enroll in this program, you should have basic keyboarding and computer skills, and be comfortable navigating the Internet and using e-mail. You should have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Registration Information

In partnership with Ed2Go, MSU Center for Continuing Education offers a wide range of advanced career training programs where students can interact and learn with their peers while connecting with expert instructors who will answer their questions and provide valuable, timely feedback. Students who complete advanced training programs will receive a certificate of completion from MSU Center for Continuing Education. Click the button below to be redirected to our Ed2Go partner webpage, and complete your registration today!