Reliable electric service depends on the skill and preparedness of field workers. From meter installation to substation maintenance, utility professionals operate within complex systems where safety, precision, and efficiency are critical. Technical training is therefore foundational to infrastructure reliability. While field based experience remains essential, controlled training environments offer opportunities to build competence before technicians encounter live systems. This student research project addresses that need through the design of an indoor technical training and demonstration lab for electric utility operations.
The project emerged following the opening of a technical training center serving a local electric service territory. Although the physical structure for the lab was in place, it lacked a comprehensive engineering plan defining layout, equipment selection, and operational workflow. Rather than relying on assumptions, the project utilizes survey data collected from management, field supervisors, and field workers to identify the most essential components and processes for inclusion in the lab environment.
The proposed solution includes the development of a multi purpose lab layout designed to support varied training scenarios. Equipment related to installation and maintenance of electric meters, substations, and underground distribution systems will be incorporated into modular learning stations. These stations allow trainees to engage in hands on, situational based exercises that replicate real world operating conditions without exposing them to live system risk.
Beyond spatial design, the project includes a structured project management plan. This plan outlines procurement strategies for equipment acquisition, installation sequencing, risk management considerations, and budget tracking. An engineering equipment plan specifies each component required, while a financial framework estimates expenses and installation timelines. By aligning operational goals with structured project oversight, the lab’s implementation becomes both strategic and measurable.
The methodology emphasizes data driven decision making. Subject matter experts from the utility workforce identify the highest priority skills and operational procedures requiring demonstration and reinforcement. This ensures that the lab reflects actual field conditions rather than theoretical constructs. Simulation based learning within the indoor environment reduces errors driven by inexperience and strengthens resilience skills across the workforce.
The broader impact extends to grid reliability and safety. When technicians train repeatedly in realistic scenarios, response time improves and procedural accuracy increases. Structured experiential learning builds confidence and reinforces safety protocols, contributing to a more competent workforce. In turn, this supports the reliability of the local electric grid and enhances service continuity.
For operations managers and engineering leaders, this session illustrates how facility layout design, project management planning, and workforce development intersect. A well designed training environment is not merely a physical space. It is a strategic investment in safety, resilience, and long term operational performance.
Author and Affiliation
William Sparrow, New England Institute of Technology
This presentation will be delivered in person at the SAM International Business Conference as part of the Information Systems and Operations Management track. Attendees will explore how data driven engineering plans and structured project management can support effective training environments for electric utility operations. For more information visit www.samnational.org/conference