Pathway for electricians; R-1 expands program

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The New Madrid County R-1 Technical Skills Center wants to power its students to a brighter future.

At the December Board of Education meeting unanimous approval was given for the district’s new Pathways for the Electrician program and to begin the search for an instructor. Scheduled to be offered next fall, the two-year class will teach students how to work on a variety of industrial electrical equipment.

According to Renee Smith, Technical Skills Center coordinator, the decision to establish the program began with discussions with State Rep. Don Rone, R-Portageville, and industrial leaders from across the region.

“The goal of this program is to provide a career pathway for high school students to make above-average salary and to provide the needed electricians in the area,” she said. “It is what this area needs right now. Electricians are in high demand.”

Dr. Sam Duncan, R-1 superintendent, noted companies such as Nucor, Big River and Magnitude 7 Metals are hiring electricians. A proposed steel mill would also be a potential employer.

The planned electrician program would be open to high school juniors and seniors. Smith said the initial class for the two-year program would be approximately 30 students and would provide instruction in electrical theory, industrial motor control, programmable logic control, variable frequency drives, hydraulics and pneumatics among other topics.

“We look at this as a pre-apprenticeship program. When they come out they would be ready to go to work,” she said..

A room is already set aside for the electrician class. Smith said a $40,000 donation received with the help of Rone along with an enhancement grant she is seeking from the state of Missouri for approximately $75,000 will provide the funding for the equipment.

In response from a question by Board President Ryan Eddy, Smith explained a graduate of the program would be ready to apprentice at a large company, such as a steel mill.

“We hope to partner with some member of industry to be able to funnel these students into a true apprenticeship program,” Smith said, adding some graduates could be able to step into an electrician job at a smaller company.

Also she noted some companies have shown interest in having their employees train in the program. Should the district pair with an area college or university, this could be a possibility, she said, but initially the program offered at the school is for high school students.

Voicing his support for the program, Eddy added: “This does something to help our community . . . by educating these students to go out and be workforce ready. Let’s do it.”

Board member Kay Rebstock pointed out career education and career readiness is also backed by Gov. Mike Parson.

“He has put it on the front burner, so I think it is important that we do this,” Rebstock said.

Smith agreed. She praised the cooperation she has received from Missouri Department of Education officials in working to establish the program.

“They have voiced their support of the program,” said Smith.