Recently, the EO shop was, once again, called upon to retrofit the parking lot lights with new LED lights. “We’ve been working on this for about a year now, all the new lights were wired in house, so a lot of planning had to go into this project,” James explained. This renovation wasn't only a money-saving venture; it also updated the look of our campus!
In order for James and his EO buddies to be able to work, they had to be capable of actually doing work like this. First, they needed to go through rigorous safety training, NEC Rules, and practice working in high places, after all, they were, at times, working 30 ft. from the ground! “Our instructor, Mr. Montini, is very safety oriented. Every job we do is held up to union standards,” Vaughn said. There is absolutely no horseplay in this type of work! .
This project gave the students in Electrical Occupations real-world experience; it is proof that they have the theory room and hands-on training needed to succeed in this line of work. When they graduate, they will be able to have a visual proof of their training and experience -- even when it's dark outside! “Not only did we advance the lighting in the parking lot, but we advanced our experience and knowledge as students preparing for job ready day one,” said Noah Skelley, a 16 year old EO junior from Ellwood City
“Being an electrician, you have your fair share of time on the ground. However, there are always times that call for going up, even if they are uncomfortable heights, it’s just something that comes along with being in this field” as explained by Skelley.
James and Stormy Fiello, an EO junior from Ellwood City, helped from the ground and replaced sidewalk lights from the top of ladders while Skelley and Rich Nesbit, an EO junior from Shenango volunteered themselves to be in the basket of the lift for the duration of the job. 30 feet up can be nerve-racking for some, but for Skelley and Rich, it was just another day! They started a little slow and shaky, but as they moved from light to light the process became smoother and easier. By the time the team got to the last light, they had it down pat.
Of course, we can’t forget the people who helped make this job as easy as possible. the team pulled the used parts for scrap, while Stormy Fiello helped supervise the project to ensure it was safe and speedy. We all have gotten closer to the goal of being “job ready day one!"
Great job EO!
