BREAKING THE MOLD: LAUREN JOHNSON, ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

Presque Isle – Lauren Johnson, a senior in Northern Maine Community College’s Electrical Construction and Maintenance Program, appreciates the balance of the mental and physical challenges in her courses. A 2018 graduate of Presque Isle High School, Lauren began her work at NMCC last year after looking for an opportunity for a career with hands-on work. While she was open to continuing her education anywhere in the state, Lauren says that NMCC rose to the top due to the excellent quality electrical program and value.

Lauren speaks highly of the instructors in the electrical program. “Todd, Jake, and Tom all do a really good job, and their experience in the field shows,” says Lauren. One of her favorite experiences so far was learning about residential wiring with no prior experience and gradually becoming more comfortable with the work over the semester.

With the wide variety of skills and knowledge provided in the electrical construction and maintenance program, Lauren says there are many possibilities for her future career path. She plans to take advantage of NMCC’s job fair and apply for jobs in the field this spring. Jake Chouinard, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Instructor at NMCC says, “From the very first class, Lauren has been persistently working to expand her knowledge base of not only electrical theory but the electrical industry as a whole. This persistence will carry her far in this field.”

According to Lauren, the greatest challenge facing women in the electrical program and other trades is not the difficulty of the required work. She says the challenge is to attend the courses daily and not see women adequately represented in the electrical field. While she has made connections with people in the classes based on other experiences, it could be a barrier for those considering the program. She confidently states, “If anyone wants to get into the electrical field, they don’t have to come to NMCC, but I think they should.”

Quick Facts: Electrical Construction & Maintenance

Job Duties

• Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
• Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
• Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
• Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
• Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.

Skills Needed

• Troubleshooting
• Repairing
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Speaking

2022 National Average Pay: $60,240

Projected Job Openings 2021-2031: 79,900

Source: O’NET Online (2023)