Hands-on Experience
Hands-on Experience | Generators | Electrical | Collegedale
Step onto the shop floor in Collegedale and feel the buzz—literally. HEP’s hands-on electrical immersion lets you tear down, troubleshoot, and rebuild full-sized generators alongside seasoned technicians. From winding coils to synchronizing output, every lab session turns theory into muscle memory, giving you the confidence to diagnose real-world faults and restore power in record time.
Whether you’re looking to launch a career in industrial maintenance or simply sharpen your emergency-power skill set, our small-group workshops provide the mentorship, modern tools, and safety protocols that employers crave. Join the next cohort, fire up the test bench, and discover why HEP alumni keep Collegedale’s lights on—one perfectly humming generator at a time.
FAQs
What kinds of generators will I get to work with during the hands-on experience in Collegedale?
The lab is stocked with a representative mix of residential, commercial, and industrial units, including portable gasoline generators (1–8 kW), inverter models for sensitive electronics, diesel-powered standby sets up to 50 kW, and a PTO-driven agricultural generator. You will disassemble, reassemble, test, and load-bank each style so you can see how different fuel systems, governors, and voltage-regulation circuits behave under real-world conditions.
Do I need prior electrical or mechanical experience before attending?
No previous trade experience is required, but basic tool familiarity and the ability to read a multimeter will help you progress faster. The first hour of every session is devoted to core concepts—Ohm’s Law, single-phase vs. three-phase power, and generator safety—so beginners can get up to speed while more experienced participants can refresh their knowledge.
What safety measures are in place during the training?
Safety is our top priority. Each participant is issued Class 00 insulating gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection. All generator terminals are fitted with barrier guards, and every exercise follows a lock-out/tag-out checklist reviewed by the instructor. Load-bank tests are conducted at reduced voltage (480 → 240 V step-down) so fault current is minimized while still allowing you to observe real load characteristics.
How long is the hands-on session and what does the typical schedule look like?
The standard experience lasts one full day (8 a.m.–4 p.m.) with a 45-minute lunch break. Morning modules cover theory, component identification, and guided tear-down. After lunch you will wire control panels, set up a transfer switch demo, and perform a two-hour progressive load test that demonstrates frequency droop, voltage sag, and corrective governor action.
Will I receive any certification or continuing-education credit?
Yes. Upon successful completion you will earn a Collegedale Technical Training Certificate in Portable & Standby Generator Fundamentals, equal to 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The course content is registered with the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, so electricians can submit the certificate toward their annual license renewal.
How do I register for the Collegedale session and what is the cost?
Registration is completed online at collegedaletech.com/generators. Click “Enroll,” choose your preferred date, and pay the $249 tuition with any major credit card. Tuition covers all materials, PPE, lunch, and the CEU certificate. Class size is limited to 12, so we recommend reserving your spot at least two weeks in advance. For group bookings or invoicing, call 423-555-0192.