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 What is Power Plant Technology?
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Randy Bachmeier Plant Specialist A Xcel Energy Avondale, CO 
Randy began working at Xcel Energy as a Plant Specialist C in 2005. As a recent hire, he noticed a company promotion about Bismarck State College. He took interest in the Power Plant Technology program because it would offer him additional training to give him a better background in power generation. Xcel Energy offered an 80% tuition reimbursement plan which proved to be a worthwhile opportunity for him. Another bonus was there were no upfront tuition costs due to vouchers offered by Xcel.Randy started the Power Plant Technology program in the spring semester of 2006, and received his Associate in Applied Science degree in August of 2007. He said, "The faculty did an awesome job engaging students. I also was pleased with the staff support at BSC and would recommend the program to anyone looking to get a job in the energy industry." Randy was recently interviewed for a shift supervisor position and is now in the supervisor candidate pool. This pool grooms employees for supervisor positions and requires a two-year degree. His supervisors like BSC's program and believe it was definitely worth Randy's hard work and time to earn the degree. Randy recently was promoted to Plant Specialist A at Xcel Energy. Julie Page B Operator - Power Department Company: MeadWestvaco Evadale, Texas 
Travel to Bismarck North Dakota to walk through a college graduation ceremony and receive a Power Plant Technology degree? This idea is something Julie Page never thought would ever happen before discovering Bismarck State College's energy education programs. "Here I am in Bismarck, North Dakota about to walk through graduation! I am so excited for this opportunity and am very pleased with the program," said Page.Page discovered the Power Plant Technology program through searching the internet looking at various online degree programs. She decided to take the program because the courses offered were exactly what she needed to advance to the next level of her career. She was also impressed by BSC's excellent reputation in the energy education field. When asked about Page's experience in the program, she said "I really enjoyed the interaction with the other students and learning from the others who had more experience than me. I also found the online courses extremely convenient and felt the program was great in all aspects. I have already recommended it to several others and hope they take advantage of this opportunity." Page also discussed how she felt that the program will help prepare her to move up to an "A" operator position when the time comes and also hopes it will bring her new opportunities. A new gasification plant is currently being built in the area and she may consider that as an option in the future. Clark Preszler 
When Clark Preszler graduated from the Power Plant program in May of 2008 he was hoping to get a job that had great pay and benefits. What he didn't expect is to be hired by a company that not only offered those things but relocation funds and tuition reimbursement. Preszler was recruited in June to work at First Energy's W.H. Sammis Plant in Stratton, Ohio. At 20 years old, Preszler was earning $23.50 an hour. "I feel BSC's energy education program was great at achieving a practical education that opened the doors for an easy transition to the real life at work," said Preszler.Since then, Preszler has worked up to earn a higher wage and has enrolled in BSC's Energy Management degree online to learn more about energy economics, government regulations in the energy industry, energy markets, managing energy facilities and ethical issues in the energy industry. When asked about the Energy Management program, Preszler said "Thank you BSC for your time and effort in helping support the Energy Management Program. It opens doors to great opportunities." |
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