Students can earn a technical certificate in as little as one year. Classes begin January 2027 at WSU Tech’s City Center campus. 

WICHITA, Kan. – Oct. 19, 2026 – Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) is launching its Electric Power Distribution program to prepare students for careers as power line workers and help meet workforce demand across Kansas. The program will train students to build, maintain, and repair the electrical systems that deliver power to homes and businesses. Classes begin in January 2027 at WSU Tech’s City Center campus.

“When Kansas employers identify a need for skilled workers, we have a responsibility to respond with education and training that prepares students for those opportunities,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech. “By offering this program, we are strengthening access to a high-demand, well-paying career and helping build the workforce Kansas needs.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of electrical power-line installers and repairers is projected to grow 10% nationally from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with approximately 10,900 job openings annually. In Kansas, state workforce projections estimate 110 job openings each year through 2034, underscoring the ongoing need to train skilled workers to maintain the state’s electrical infrastructure. The national median annual wage for these professionals was $95,320 in May 2025.

“As communities continue to grow and demand for electricity increases, the need for skilled line workers continues to grow as well,” said Cade Dover, director of regional operations at Evergy. “Programs like this help develop the skilled workforce our industry will need to support the electrical infrastructure today and into the future.”

Students in the Electric Power Distribution program will learn through classroom instruction, hands-on training, and field experience. Coursework covers electrical theory, pole climbing, rigging, equipment operation, and system maintenance. Students will learn to install and maintain overhead and underground distribution lines and troubleshoot system faults, and they will earn their OSHA 30 safety certification.

Students can earn a technical certificate in as little as one year to prepare for a career in electric power distribution or pursue an associate degree in two years. Enrollment is open now for classes beginning in January 2027. To learn more about the Electric Power Distribution program, visit WSUTech.edu/ElectricPowerDistribution.

About WSU Tech

As Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, WSU Tech stands at the forefront of modern technical education in Kansas, offering over 100 degree and certificate options. These programs cover critical fields such as aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, culinary arts, business, and more. WSU Tech operates four campuses and serves as the managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS—a city known for its high concentration of STEM jobs.

In 2018, Wichita State University, Kansas’ urban public research university, affiliated with WSU Tech, enhancing the institution’s student-centered focus and aligning with Wichita State’s dedication to innovation and applied learning. This partnership has created a comprehensive educational environment that supports student achievement and meets the evolving needs of industries in the urban heart of Kansas and beyond.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and as a Kansas Board of Regents institution, WSU Tech upholds high academic standards and equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong success and career readiness.

For more information on how WSU Tech shapes the future of technical education and contributes to the workforce in Kansas and beyond, please visit www.WSUTECH.edu. Follow WSU Tech on social media: Facebook| LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | X (Twitter) | TikTok