EPT program tripled in size since 2008

The Electrical Power Technology department has had a busy fall semester conducting business as usual, as well as trying to get a new program started.
Through a partnership with Westar Energy, PCC’s EPT program added a site in Wichita this fall.
 
EPT program coordinator, Dave Campbell said the biggest challenge at the new site has been communication.
 
“Over all it is going well but we have had a lot of issues with communication,” he said. “It is difficult to be in two places at once and communicate what you need to with students.”
 
Mervin Wiltshire, a retired lineman, is teaching the nine students in Wichita in the field and students are taking classroom work over the ITV system, with instructors in Pratt teaching the classes.
 
In the past three years the EPT program has tripled in size by adding a site on Coffeyville Community College’s campus, along with the site in Wichita. The program now has more than 70 students between the three sites.
 
“We want to turn out quality students,” Campbell said. “It is important for us to teach students how to act and [the staff] is disappointed when the students don’t follow the rules. It they aren’t good here, they won’t be good in the field.”
 
Campbell said it isn’t just about getting them in the work place, but is also about turning out a good quality student with good work ethics.
 
To do that, Campbell said all the students must show up for class on time, just like they would work. They must also follow all college rules and treat each other, along with all staff, with respect.
Campbell said they have students working all over the country and that they are getting many contacts in Kansas and the surrounding states.
 
“The program has been around long enough, that people who went here are now in management,” he said. “They know the program and are coming here looking for students to come work for them.”