E N E R G Y S Y S T E M S T E C H N O L O G Y &E D U C A T I O N C E N T E R

E N E R G Y S Y S T E M S T E C H N O L O G Y & E D U C A T I O N C E N T E R

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Choose Energy, Choose ESTEC

Choosing ESTEC means taking the first step towards an

exciting career in the energy and process industries

with challenging hands-on work and earnings

ranging from $40,000 to $75,000 or more

per year right out of school.

Demand for trained technicians with

electrical, instrumentation and controls,

industrial controls, mechanical and nuclear

skills is increasing dramatically as industrial

technology changes, automation in process

industry increases, existing employees retire and

new electrical generating facilities are constructed.

For Enrollment

information contact:

College of TechnologyStudent ServicesCollege of TechnologyIdaho State University921 South 8th Ave.,Stop 8380Pocatello, ID83209-8380Phone: 208.282.2622Fax: 208.282.5195E-mail: ctech@isu.edu

For ESTEC

Information contact:

ESTEC 208.282.3085http://www.isu.edu/estec/

The Energy Systems Technology andEducation Center (ESTEC) is an

operating partnership between IdahoState University’s (ISU) College ofTechnology (CoT), Idaho NationalLaboratory (INL) and Partners forProsperity (P4P). ESTEC began in 2006as an idea sparked by the need toaddress the growing shortage of work-ready technicians in the U.S. energysector.

ESTEC offers a unique approach toeducating students by providing thespecific knowledge and skills needed inthe process industry and electricalgeneration. Skill requirements have beendeveloped in partnership with industry,

energy utilities and vendors to assure thatprogram graduates enter the workforcewith the precise skills required. In each ofthe ESTEC programs offered, studentslearn through traditional classroomexperience, computer based training, aswell as through extensive laboratoryexercises.

ESTEC has and will continue to developworking relationships with industrial andenergy industry partners and systems-related product vendors to provide appliedindustrial research. Students and facultywork with industry to demonstrate, test,and innovate current components andsystems as well as develop and test newproducts (components, instrumentation,control systems, etc.) in a controlled andhighly-instrumented environment.

The development of ESTEC was aided inlarge part by funding received throughgrants from the United States Departmentof Labor Community-based Job TrainingGrant, the National Science FoundationAdvanced Technological EducationProgram, Nuclear Energy UniversityPrograms, and the AmericanReinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009.

“Now that I am out in the

workforce, I am realizing the

number of job opportunities

available in our field.

The people here are great to

work with, the work is fun

and the MONEY is great.”

Josh Nestor,

2008 ESTEC I&C Graduate

What is ESTEC?

ISU’s CoT is Idaho’s largest post-secondary technical institution offering more than 40high quality professional-technical programs designed to meet the employment andeconomic development needs of business and industry. Programs include technicalcertificates, associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degree programs, adult basiceducation and workforce training and development. The CoT provides 22,000 squarefeet of classroom, office and laboratory space for ESTEC students, faculty and staff.

INL is designated as the nation’s command center for advanced civilian nucleartechnology research and development. INL provides instructional materials,program implementation support, planning services, speakers, grant development and support, scholarships/internships and evaluates howESTEC can be utilized to provide education and training opportunities withindustry both locally and nationally.

P4P, a community-based organization dedicated to poverty reduction in eastern Idaho, provides outreach and referral of low-income and minoritystudents, cash assistance and resources for partnership facilitation anddevelopment, technical assistance, research and data analysis.

In addition to the operating partners, an advisory council has been created with representatives from local and national energy utilities and vendors,educational institutions and national energy industry support organizations. The advisory council plays an important role in providing long-range strategicplanning, program development and sustainability.

U N I V E R S I T Y

Who are the Operating Partners?Location

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ESTEC is located on the Idaho StateUniversity campus in Pocatello,

Idaho and is part of the College ofTechnology (COT).

The Eastern Idaho Technical College(EITC), located in Idaho Falls, Idaho,also offers the first two semesters ofInstrumentation and ControlsTechnology, Instrumentation andAutomation and Electrical EngineeringTechnology programs. Students thencomplete their A.A.S. degree program atISU in Pocatello.

ESTEC offers Technical Certificates,Associate of Applied Science and

Bachelors of Science degrees. Studentslearn to work safely and comply withhealth and environmental regulationsapplicable to their programs of study.

Students must have COMPASS testscores of 45 in Algebra and 68 inEnglish to be accepted into any ESTECprogram. Students wishing to enterEnergy Systems Instrumentation andControls Engineering Technology,Energy Systems Electrical EngineeringTechnology or Instrumentation andAutomation are admitted using acompetitive application process basedon their first semester grade pointaverage in ESTEC classes.

Students accepted into an ESTECprogram should plan to attend classesthroughout the day Monday throughFriday. A limited selection of courses areoffered online, evenings and Saturdays.Students meet two to three hours a dayfor program theory courses and anadditional three hours per day forlaboratory courses. ESTEC programshave an extensive lab component.Students will also complete variousgeneral education courses during theirprogram, usually three hours each week.

Energy Systems Instrumentation andControls Engineering Technologyprepares students to enter the energyworkforce in areas that measure andcontrol power plant systems. Powerplants are complex systems requiringconstant monitoring of parameters suchas level, pressure, temperature, flow, andchemical processes. Safe operation of theplant is dependent upon accuratemeasurements and correct and exactingconfigurations of the control systems thatcontinually communicate information tothe plant operator and insure efficientoperation of the plant and environmentalcompliance.

Mechanical Engineering Technicians(MET) work with the mechanical androtating equipment such as pumps,valves, hydraulic equipment, steamboilers used in the generation ofelectrical power and within industrialplants. They collaborate with engineersand scientists to design, develop, test,install and maintain power generationmachinery, mechanical parts, and otherequipment. Mechanical engineeringtechnicians fill the gap between the tasksperformed by engineers, technologistsand scientists and those performed bycraftsmen.

Energy Systems Nuclear OperationsTechnology is designed to teach theknowledge and skills required to qualifyfor employment as an entry level nuclearoperator. Unlicensed operators work withplant systems and subsystems, perform

system lineups and maintain operationalinformation for nuclear power plants. Thesafe operation of nuclear power plants isdependent upon highly trained operatorsexecuting complex operating proceduresprecisely in accordance to the plant design.Nuclear operations technicians learn howplant components operate; how humanperformance factors impact safe operation;and an understanding of the design ofnuclear power plants.

Energy Systems Wind EngineeringTechnology. Wind turbines are self-contained power plants. Wind engineeringtechnicians work with the mechanical,electrical and control systems of windturbines. They install, test, and maintainthese systems over the life of the machine.Students will understand the need to followcritical industry safety requirements and willbe familiar with OSHA regulations andstandards. Wind engineering techniciansare expected to be able to climb to the topof a 300 foot wind turbine and performtechnical activities both inside and outsidethe turbine.

Instrumentation and AutomationEngineering Technology is a 50 year oldprogram turning out a legacy of graduateshaving up-to-date electrical andinstrumentation skills with successfulemployment in chemical, food, petroleum,natural gas, power, paper, mining, nuclear,research, security, defense, manufacturing,utilities, and construction industries.

Our Degrees Associate of Applied Science Programs:

Energy Systems Electrical EngineeringTechnology (EET) prepares students topursue a career in the installation,operation, adjustment, routinemaintenance, inspection, test and repair ofpower generation equipment. Graduateswork in all fields of electrical generationwith companies who design, build,operate, and maintain electrical generationsystems. These generators use fossil andnuclear fuels, hydropower, wind, or otherforms of energy to produce electricalpower, Electrical Engineering technicianswork with generators, large electricalmotors, protective relaying and other highvoltage/high current electrical equipmentand the interconnection wiring and controlcircuits and Programmable LogicControllers (PLC's).

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Industrial Controls is a program wherethe first year of InstrumentationAutomation Engineering technology isreplaced by participation in a statecertified electrical apprenticeship. Anelectrical journeyman’s license is requiredfor the degree/certificate.

Instrumentation and AutomationAssistant prepares students as entry-level technicians and maintenanceassistants to meet the needs of theelectrical and process industries.Graduates will have theoreticalknowledge and hands on experiencesetting up and calibrating electronicdevices that measure and control

temperature, level, flow, pressure, motion,force, humidity and pH.

Energy Systems Renewable EnergyTechnology teaches the knowledge andskills required to qualify for entry levelpositions in the renewable energyindustry. Students will understand theoperational principals of a wide variety ofrenewable energy resources, and applythe acquired knowledge and skills toinstall, operate and maintain the systemsrequired to meet the new skill demands ofemerging and expanding renewableenergy industries.

Technical Certificate Programs:

Course sequences and

course descriptions for

all ESTEC programs

are available at

www.isu.edu/estec.

“The ISU's ESTEC

Program is turning into

my go-to program to find

high quality interns and

full time employees.”

Kyle Adler,

HR Director

Constellation Energy

Industrial Focus

The ESTEC programs were developedwith our industrial partners who

represent utilities, equipmentmanufacturers, engineering servicecompanies, federal agencies, oil and gascompanies and industrialprocessing companies. All of theseindustries have high standardsfor workplace safety, proceduralcompliance and acollaborative teamworkfocused approach to jobexecution. ESTECstudents learn in an

environment that closely mirrors theworkplace they will enter upongraduation. ESTEC strives to create a“real world” feel to its laboratories byusing equipment commonly found inindustry and following industry standardsafety practices such as OSHA standard

lockout/tagout practices, use ofpersonal protective

equipment (PPE), NationalFire Protection Association

(NFPA 70E) arc flashprotection when working with

electrical equipment.

Academic Excellence

“ESTEC staff are working

closely with the energy

industry in curriculum

design as well as development

of laboratory models

and applications that ensure

students meet the needs

of industry. ”

R. Scott Rasmussen,

Executive Director ESTEC

Students and faculty

work with industry

to demonstrate, test,

and innovate current

components and

systems...

THIS TAG & LOCKTO BE REMOVED

ONLY BY THEPERSON SHOWNON BACK

DANGER

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High Growth/High Demand Careers

Career possibilities include: • Power Distribution Technician • Electrical/Electronics Technician• Control Technician • Operations and Maintenance

Technician• Productions Technician• Substation Technician• Combustion Turbine Technician• Wind Technician

Levels of employment include:• Technician• Journeyman• Group leader• Group supervisor• Group manager

For a wide-ranging list of job openingsand qualifications, check the followingwebsites: • getintoenergy.com/ • thinkenergygroup.com • energycentraljobs.com • monster.com • careerbuilder.com • nukeworker.com• awea.org

Search the employment sites usingkeywords such as Instrumentation andControls Technician, AutomationTechnician, PLC, Electrical EngineeringTechnician, Mechanical EngineeringTechnician, Wind Technician, etc. toview current job availability.

There are many varied careers in theenergy and process industries.

Careers with utilities, power generatingcorporations, the INL or other federalcontractors, power plant constructors,equipment suppliers, food, space, mining,chemical, nuclear, paper, steel andpetroleum process industries are typicalplaces to work with this type of education.Jobs are available throughout Idaho, theregion, and the United States.

Technicians with the skills to construct,install, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot,and repair related components, systems,and facilities are needed to replace aretiring workforce, staff new facilities andoperate the increased technology industryhas adopted. In the latest surveyconducted by the Center for EnergyWorkforce Development (2009), anestimated 50% of the current workforcewill be replaced due to attrition andretirement in the next five years. Thistranslates to a need of 27,800 techniciansand an additional 12,300 non-nuclearplant operators.

Graduates from ESTEC programs arecurrently employed with• Idaho National Laboratory• Tri-State Power• URS• Williams Gas Pipeline• Chevron• ON Semiconductor• Hoku• Idaho Power• Constellation Energy• Bureau of Land Management,• Rosemont Emerson, and many others

Of our current graduates,

64% are employed within

the four state region of

Idaho, Wyoming,

Montana and Utah.

Financial Assistance

Internship Opportunities

ISU, the CoT, and ESTEC offerassistance to qualified applicants

through:

• Tech Prep and Dual Enrollment – allowsstudents to earn college credit while inhigh school saving considerable moneyin tuition costs.

• Scholarships – available for qualifiedapplicants through ISU, the College ofTechnology, ESTEC and its partners. For scholarship applications, deadlinesand specific information visitwww.isu.edu/scholar/.

• Or visit http://www.isu.edu/finaid/ forassistance in finding out moreinformation concerning availablefinancial aid.

Internships are a valuable way forstudents to gain work experience in their

chosen field. Internships are usuallycompleted during the summer. Someopportunities pay between $15 and $20per hour, others are unpaid experientialopportunities. Students will workindividually with ESTEC faculty insecuring internship opportunities.

Additional Educational Opportunities

Education and training at ESTEC is just the beginning.

An ESTEC degree will open doors and allow you to advance in experienceand education. Students who wish toadvance their education even furthercan obtain Bachelor’s, Master’s andDoctoral degrees through ISU or othereducational institutions..

“From an industry

perspective, we see an

urgent need for technicians

to support the electric power

industry in America. ESTEC

will help meet this growing

need for technicians.”

Vern Porter, Vice President of

Engineering and Operations for

Power Production Idaho Power

Skills needed for Energy Systems Technicians:

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Troubleshooting. Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it

Mathematics. Using mathematics to solve problems

Active Learning. Understanding theimplications of new information for bothcurrent and future problem-solving anddecision-making

Technology Design. Generating oradapting equipment and technology toserve user needs

Equipment Selection. Determining thetools and equipment needed to do a job

Equipment Maintenance. Performingroutine maintenance on equipment anddetermining when and what kind ofmaintenance is needed

Operations Analysis. Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design

Quality Control Analysis. Conductingtests and inspections of products,services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance

Reading Comprehension.Understanding written sentences andparagraphs in work related documents

Critical Thinking. Using logic andreasoning to identify the strengths andweaknesses of alternative solutions,conclusions or approaches to problems

Speaking. Talking to others to conveyinformation effectively

Writing. Communicating effectively inwriting as appropriate for the needs of the audience

Operation Monitoring. Watchinggauges, dials, or other indicators to makesure a machine is working properly

Safety-Conscious. Puts safety first inevery aspect of the job; takesresponsibility for won actions; notices andcorrects unsafe situations; always usessafety procedures; is concerned for thesafety of others

Information Management andTechnology. Able to use computers to process information; familiar withcommon technology applications in the workplace

Team Player. Able to work as aproductive team member, able to shareinformation, works well and credits(praises) others, puts team abovepersonal interests

Work ethic. Possesses honesty andintegrity, is trustworthy, shows goodmanners, accepts advice, supervision,and criticism, is dependable and willfollow through with assignments, is readyto begin work on time, takes pride in workand hold high standards for themselves,shows initiative and works efficiently

Students interested in pursuing anESTEC career should consider thefollowing industry requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and good drivingrecord—travel may be involved

• Be able to pass a drug test

• Possess a clean criminal background

• Ability to work with minimal supervision

• Enthusiasm to adhere to industryexpectations

• Willingness to periodically workovertime, weekends, and periodicallyon-call

• Consider relocation when looking foremployment

Note: Licensure, certification, and/oremployment applications related to somedegree programs require students todisclose any history of criminalprosecution, which may include thestudent's driving record. Students whohave a criminal history are stronglyencouraged to contact the licensingagency or meet with the coordinator ofthe program they are interested in, priorto beginning classes, to discuss potentialimpediments to licensure, certification oremployment.

This workforce solution was funded by

a grant awarded under the President’s

Community-Based Job Training Grants

as implemented by the U.S. Department

of Labor’s Employment and Training

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This solution is copyrighted

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Internal use by an organization and/or

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All other uses require the prior

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Partial support for this work was

provided by the National Science

Foundation under grant number

0703169. Any opinions, findings, and

conclusions or recommendations

expressed in this material are those of

the author(s) and do not necessarily

reflect the views of the National

Science Foundation.

Industry Support Organizations:

Center for Energy Workforce Development

Electric Power Research Institute

Get Into Energy

Idaho Women in Nuclear

Nuclear Energy Institute

Industry:

AREVA

Constellation Energy

Entergy Corporation

Idaho Power

NIDA Corporation

PacifiCorp LLC

Siemens

URS

Educational Institutions:

Boise State University

Centralia College

Eastern Idaho Technical College

Idaho School District No. 25

Idaho State Board of Education

Idaho State University College of Engineering

Idaho TechPrep

Government:

Idaho Department of Labor

Idaho Workforce Development Council

Shoshone Bannock Tribe

TRiO

Community Based Organizations:

Center for New Directions

Community Council of Idaho

Eastern Idaho Economic Development Partners

Idaho Falls Community Outreach Center

Idaho TechConnect

Indigenous Nations Institute

Regional Workforce Innovation Team