Electrical Construction
 |
Instructor: Edward Mathieu
The Instructor
Edward Mathieu is a graduate of Skowhegan Area High School and Skowhegan Regional Vocational Center. After completing the two-year Electrical Construction program at the Center, he enrolled at Kennebec Valley Technical College in Fairfield, Maine. After receiving his diploma from K.V.T.C., Mr. Mathieu passed his test for the Journeyman Electrician’s and Master Electrician’s license.
Mr. Mathieu’s
ten years of work experience was with the Cianbro Corporation of Pittsfield,
Maine, working throughout the New England states. First employed as an
electrician’s helper in the maintenance facility in Pittsfield, he soon
moved up the company ladder and into the construction field. His jobs with
the company included: electrician, electrical foreman, and electrical general
foreman.
In order to
stay current in the field of electricity, Mr. Mathieu does electrical work on
a part-time basis, mostly weekends, during the school year. In the summer
months, he is employed as a construction electrician at one of the local paper
mills. This employment enables him to bring new and up-to-date ideas into
the classroom.
Mr. Mathieu
resides in Madison with his wife and two children. He enjoys skiing on
both water and snow. His other outdoor activities include snowmobiling,
hunting, and fishing.
A variety of jobs. Diverse work situations. Pride in doing quality work. These are just some of the things that attract students to the Electrical Construction program at the Center. This course provides a solid background that gives qualifying graduates many choices. Some examples are helper electrician, electrician, or higher education in the electrical or electronics field. Of course the electrical background gained will be helpful in any job related to the electrical field.
In the first
year of this two-year program the students learn the basics of the National Electrical
Code. While learning the National Electrical Code students perform related
projects in the electrical shop consisting of six common wiring methods and the
necessary tools to install the materials. Concurrent with the practical
work is the study of the theory of electricity.
The second-year
students continue with advanced studies of the National Electrical Code, and
they also receive a blueprint reading course. Practical projects for these
students are: service entrance
equipment, motor starters, motor controls, electric heat Programable Controllers
(PLC’S). Much of the seniors’ time is spent outside the shop
on these projects.
Each year
the Electrical students wire the houses that are built by the Carpentry students. In
these projects they not only gain the experience of working in new construction
but also become aware of the need for cooperation and planning between the different
tradesmen on a job. Almost all of the permanent wiring in the Vocational
Center and in the Skowhegan Area High School, both new installation and maintenance,
is done by students under the supervision of Mr. Mathieu, their instructor. Many
people around the school, students and teachers alike, are amazed as these students
take on an electrical box full of wires, that looks somewhat like a bowl of spaghetti,
and hook it all up so it works and looks neat and workmanlike.
In general, electricians enjoy the advantages of higher pay, cleaner work,
and not as heavy work as other construction trades.
The Center
is particularly proud of its many Electrical Construction graduates. Two
of them surprised everyone when they picked up and took off for Alaska, but the
fact that they applied themselves and became very successful was not at all surprising. Another
alumnus was in charge of all of the electricians working for the Cianbro Corporation
during construction of the Madison paper mill. Still another has used his
electrical background as a basis for entering the field of electronics. And,
of course, the instructor, Mr. Mathieu, is a graduate of the Center. Most
importantly, many, many of them are working throughout Maine in electrical and
related jobs where they are highly thought of and valued by their employers.
We are an equal opportunity educator.
Discuss your career goals with your parents and councelors.
If you are interested in the
Electrical Construction Program
please contact your
guidance counselor
or to arrange a visit contact.