October 14, 2026
Chris Grooms, President, Rick’s Electric, recently visited the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) to meet with the upper-level electricity class as part of Power in Partnership, a collaboration between the ATC and Graves County Economic Development (GCED) that brings professionals to the classroom to share their expertise and offer career advice.
Grooms shared his personal career journey, which includes moving up from a working electrician to a leadership role. Grooms also serves as chairman of the apprenticeship committee for the NECA/IBEW JATC Electrical Apprenticeship, and he talked about what students should expect if they’re thinking about applying to the program.
“It is always a privilege to speak to the students enrolled in the electrical program at the Mayfield/Graves ATC,” said Grooms. “All leaders of the electrical industry should take any opportunity that we may have to encourage or educate these students who will be the future of our trade, especially at a time when we are experiencing a historic shortage of electrical workers.”
Rick’s Electric was founded in 1969 in Mayfield, with a focus on quality installations and innovative automation design. Today, Rick’s Electric is comprised of an established design and build team of expert electricians, technicians, programmers, and other staff. Rick’s Electric serves food-processing, grain-handling, fresh water, wastewater, chemical processing, and manufacturing industries, and their team has successfully completed hundreds of industrial automation projects.
“It’s important for our students to meet people like Chris, who demonstrates you can be very successful right here at home with a background in the trades,” said ATC Principal Josh Heisner. “His grasp of the growing demand for new electricians and knowledge of the apprenticeship process really helps inspire these students and gives them a path to follow.”
“We are so grateful for Chris’s continuing support of our program and his personal commitment to our students,” Heisner added.
“Working with partners like Rick’s Electric is part of our mission to create economic growth by developing an outstanding workforce that allows employers to succeed,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “We appreciate Chris sharing his time and expertise with these students and helping drive positive changes in their lives and in the community.”
Power in Partnership visits will continue throughout the school year. If you have questions, or want to learn more, contact us.
