Families, friends, media, and incoming freshmen were in attendance as one by one, each graduate came to the stage at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts to sign at a table draped with a corporate logo.
“You’re going to make a difference for these companies, you’re going to make a difference in the electrical trade, we couldn’t be prouder of you, and we’re excited to celebrate those accomplishments today,” Assistant Professor Clint Myers told the soon-to-be graduates.
But there aren’t enough of them.
Companies would sign more graduates if they could get them, representatives said; last year, nearly 80 companies came to Pitt State seeking graduates to fill positions from a program that annually graduates fewer than 25 because of an enrollment cap.
The U.S. Department of Labor projects a strong demand for electricians in the coming years, estimating employment for electricians will grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033 — above average for all occupations. More than 80,000 openings for electricians are projected each year for the next decade.
Starting wages for journeyman electricians hover around $60,000 per year on average. Experienced journeyman electricians, especially in high demand areas, have the potential to earn $100,000 or more a year.
Myers and Instructional Associate Professor Ed Moore have developed corporate partnerships that recently helped them expand labs and add state-of-the-art equipment to accommodate more students.
“For almost 45 years this program capped at 25 students because of size limitations,” Moore said. “We knew there was such potential. We built labs last year to accommodate 30. This fall, we are expanding again to open it up to 40.”
One corporate partner, VDC Specialists, LLC, of Lawrence, Kansas, stepped forward two years ago to cover the $115 fee each student must pay to take the Journeyman Exam, opening even more doors. The exam is often a requirement for higher-paying positions and a credential that demonstrates a skilled and qualified professional.
Of the 23 students graduating in May, 90 percent of them passed their journeyman exam — far above the national average of 32 percent, which speaks highly of the Pitt State program, the company said.
“This program could not thrive without industry support,” Myers said. “They’re not only employing our students, but they’re giving back and they help our program exist and be the level it is.”
VDC Specialists also donated $10,000 to the program for the purchase of new programmable logic controllers often found in automated systems in manufacturing.
Interstates, based in Sioux City, Iowa, was in attendance Tuesday to hire several interns for the summer. The company was recognized for making a substantial donation to the Jeff Brooks Memorial Scholarship, which will help eliminate financial barriers for students coming into the program.
Cam-Dex Security Corporation, based in Kansas City, has supported the program financially because the graduates are qualified.
“The program and the curriculum are top tier. We seek out students here because the students that we have hired from PSU come with a good solid foundation of electrical technology and are able to jump right in,” said President Dan Krumme.
At the end of the ceremony, students held a surprise gathering on stage with Moore and members of Myers’ family, who had traveled for the occasion, to present Myers with a framed certificate of thanks that included each of their signatures.
Several shared impromptu thoughts at the mic about the impact of the program on their careers and lives.
Carson White, who was recognized as this year’s outstanding student, said he is very glad he chose to enroll.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” he said. “We’ve had great hands-on learning, great experiences, and teachers who support us and we’re on a first-name basis with. It feels like a family. This has been two of the greatest years of my life so far.”
Mason Allen (Golden City, Missouri): Avail Enclosure Systems in Pittsburg
Colt Boyer (Pittsburg): KMT Waterjet in Baxter Springs, Kansas
Daniel Carlin (Nevada, Missouri): Cash’s Quality Electric, Inc.in Nevada
Kyle Clevenger (Leawood): Faith Technologies Incorporated in Menasha, Wisconsin
Kieran Houlihan (Ft. Scott): Faith Technologies Incorporated
Caleb Ijams (Walker, Missouri): Faith Technologies Incorporated
Gavin Reissig (Erie): Faith Technologies Incorporated
Adam Shireman (Girard): Faith Technologies Incorporated
Tate Williams (Kansas City): Faith Technologies Incorporated
Wyatt Costin (Buffalo): Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Drake Guymon (Cherokee): Cam-Dex Security Corporation in Kansas City
Hayden LeMasters (Jasper, Missouri): Modine in Joplin
Lucas McDougal (Gravette, Arkansas): Thermal Engineering International in Joplin
Carson White (Kansas City): DG Electric in Parkville, Missouri
Noah Yeakey (Webb City, Missouri): Branco Enterprises in Neosho, Missouri
Luke Benson (Schell City, Missouri): Enerfab in Cincinnati, Ohio
Tobey Clark (Joplin, Missouri): Cemco in Joplin
Eli Smart (Neosho, Missouri): Cemco
Mattix Cole (Neodesha): Howard’s Electric in Neodesha
Kasey Cool (Joplin): Amprod, LLC in Strafford, Missouri
Brock Lassiter (Asbury, Missouri): B. Boyd Contracting in Asbury
Jake Love (Ft. Scott): Brock Electric in Redfield, Kansas
Electrical Technology at Pitt State