Graves County Economic Development (GCED) and the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) are collaborating on a new program, Power In Partnership, where career professionals come to the ATC and speak to students about their field. These professionals provide information about pay/benefits, advancement/progression, training needed after high school, and any crucial details that help them understand the field.
The participants for the upper level electricity students included West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation (WKRECC), Salient/Trystar, and Usher Inc.
ATC Principal Josh Heisner spoke about the electricity speakers and the revelations they gave the students.
"Our upper level electricity students are really thankful for the information provided. The presentations about what their careers at each of these businesses could look like really opened their eyes to the possibilities of the different types of careers available in the area."
The electricity pathway was the first pathway that we invited participants for, but, as we had three speakers provide information to the students, was one of the last ones we wrapped up.
To kick off the program, West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation (WKRECC) representatives, Jodie Hansen, Dale Madding, and Justin Rickman, spoke to the electrician pathway students about what a career as a lineman might look like. Discussion included information about safety in this field and the wide variety of different aspects of the electricity profession.
“As a utility cooperative, WKRECC is focused on helping our community. We are happy to engage with students directly about the opportunities that WKRECC can offer and to help open their eyes to what a career as a lineman could be like,” Hansen commented.
Mark Puckett of Salient/Trystar presented information about their electrical control panel manufacturing. Salient/Trystar has partnered with the ATC before, as they made some of the equipment that the ATC uses to help train the students in the electricity pathway.
"We're glad to partner with the ATC to help train the next generation electrical professionals that will power the homes and industries of tomorrow," Puckett discussed.
Dale Usher of Usher Inc. provided the students with critical advice, explaining how troubleshooting experience while on the job can often be the best way to learn and discussing finding a niche for those that want to start their own business.
"It's key for the success of the community to do what we can to help our students be prepared for their future careers. By understanding more about the field and how they can build up their own businesses, we are contributing to growth and prosperity for Mayfield and Graves County," Usher explained.
Usher is also a former instructor of the ATC and currently hosts an ATC student for co-oping.
The press release about the Computer Science pathway at the ATC will be distributed later this week.
GCED President Jason Lemle commented on the program.
“Training the electricians of the future is necessary for the continued growth in our community. These professionals make significant impact on our economy though providing reliable energy to the households and businesses that will drive the growth of our community. Thank you to WKRECC, PSI Control Solutions, and Usher Inc. for helping the ATC students to better understand what a career in this critical field could look like.”
About Graves County Economic Development
Graves County Economic Development began in 1981, becoming the driving force behind expansion and development opportunities in the community. It continues to foster strong relationships with existing businesses and attracts new industry to grow in Graves County. There are 44 industrial businesses in Graves County that employ 2,300 people in the community.
