LTI’s electrical technology program to start

Staff report

SHARON, PA.

Laurel Technical Institute will start its first electrical technology program class in September.

The new program, to be offered at the school’s 12,000-square-foot industrial training facility on Dock Street, was initiated to address an ongoing need for electrical technicians in the region.

The school developed the program in conjunction with an advisory committee comprised of electrical contractors and manufacturing facilities in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

The 18-month, five-semester Specialized Associate Degree program will prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the electrical industry.

A few of the diverse careers open to graduates are construction electricians, maintenance electricians, power system technicians, electrical relay technicians and industrial electricians.

Students will take classes in electrical studies, residential wiring, commercial wiring, low-voltage wiring, electrical motors, transformers, raceway systems, hazardous locations, cost estimating, industrial wiring, electrical distribution and industrial automation.

“There has never been a more exciting time to become an electrician,” said Nancy Decker, LTI president. “With a large number of electricians approaching retirement age, and the growth of the construction industry, the electrical industry is vibrant and growing. The increase in new construction will undoubtedly lead to an increase in the demand for electricians, as they are integral to all projects. According to BLS.gov, employment for electricians is expected to grow 20 percent by 2022 with a median hourly wage of nearly $24.”

The program is also being instituted at LTI’s sister facility, Laurel Business Institute in Uniontown, Pa., and the first class will start in September 2015 in both locations.

For information or to apply for the fall Electrical Technology class, call the downtown Sharon campus at 724-983-0700, visit the website at www.laurel.edu, or email admission@laurel.edu.