Students say local electrical training gives hands-on skills and HBI Level 1 credential

Three students who spoke in the meeting transcript said a local electrical training program gives hands-on wiring experience and leads to an HBI Electrical Level 1 certification, preparing participants for apprenticeships or entry-level jobs at local electrical companies.

The program matters because it offers a noncollege career pathway in the skilled trades, the students said: it teaches practical wiring, pipe bending and basic electrical theory while placing graduates where they can pursue apprenticeships or work directly for employers.

“They learn basic wiring, enough to get them into an entry level position, either at the apprenticeship or a local electrical company, where they can fulfill their electrician dreams,” Student 1, a participant in the electrical training program, said. “We give them the hands on. We give them hands on bridal life scenarios where they actually start working, and they can actually put them to good work, once they leave our my program.”

Student 2, a participant, said the course opened up alternatives to college: “What made me really interested in studying electrical work was mainly as soon as I got introduced to Mr. Guin's class, it just opened my eyes to more of what's out there other than college. And you can do something that's fun with your hands and get paid for it.”

Student 1 also described current classwork and the certification: “This higher level class will learn, will receive a HBI certification, electrical level 1. They're working on a circuit right now, an entry circuit for a residential home, where they're wiring a a panel and a basic, circuit for, like, a hallway. That's what they're gonna be working on currently.”

Student 3 said the course strengthened fundamentals: “It actually is preparing me a lot. I had done, like, basic wiring and such as like that. It has taught me more stuff into, like, such as, like, Ohm's Law. Like, it gave me, like, a learning experience of, like, with more hand tools and everything like that.”

Another student emphasized hands-on skills and practical advice for future enrollees: “You get a step ahead because if you go into the electrical program and you didn't take Mr. Guin's class or any other electrical class, you won't have as much knowledge as you would going in. Because I feel in here, you learn pipe bending, wiring, and you just learn a lot more. The only advice I would give you is do your work. It's very easy. Simple work, but it in the long run, it will pay out,” Student 2 said.

The transcript did not specify the program sponsor, location, enrollment numbers or cost. The students identified the HBI Electrical Level 1 certification by name but did not provide further administrative details or timelines for completion.