Villanova electrical students get modern device to train on

Mike Hope, president of the Windsor Electrical Contractors Association (WECA) speaks at the unveiling of a new training device Sept. 15 at St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School.

Students in the electrical classes at St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School have a new tool to work on.

A mobile electrical training device was donated to the Catholic secondary school last week by the Windsor Electrical Contractors Association (WECA). A ceremony saw WECA and Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) representatives highlight the partnership between the school, the school board and the industry partner.

WECA president Mike Hope said the organization recognizes the importance of skilled trades and ensuring the next generation of workers is ready to enter the field. He said the value of the new electrical board that students will be able to work on is between $5,000-$6,000. WECA reached out about doing a project and the school and organization went back-and-forth before coming up with the plan.

“They are going to see this is what goes on in the industry,” said Hope. 

The experiences learned on the panel will translate into the real world and enable them to walk onto a job site. Hope said when he started going through the trade 40 years ago, he worked with banana clips and plugged “yellow-to-yellow and red-to-red” but the modern equipment will allow for students to learn at an earlier age.

Hope said the trades got “pushed to the side for a long time” but organizations like WECA are trying to build that back up, noting there are a lot of jobs that are going to be available. They are trying to show students the value of the trades and they are important as other fields.

The new electrical training panel was designed and built by Flexible Industrial Solutions and will enable students to learn fundamental electrical skills. The device was donated in honor of William Smith, the retired chairman and CEO of Electrozad Supply.

Villanova teacher Jesse Mulveney, himself a licensed electrician, said the new device will help give students more experience, noting two students at a time can work on the device. He said it is a low voltage device, with 24 volts, so students can work on it safely.

John Ulicny, CEO of the WECDSB, outlined the importance of the board and its schools teaming with industry partners. Ulicny noted the board has Red Seal instructors and donations like the one from WECA will give students the skills needed to get into their careers of choice.

“We pride ourselves in working with our industry partners,” said Ulicny.

Villanova principal Danielle Desjardins also pointed out her gratitude to industry partners and said it bolsters their programming. Such donations allow the school to showcase what it offers and gives students the tools they need to succeed in the future.

Villanova electrical students get modern device to train on

By Ron Giofu