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Teen of the Week: Electrician program empowers Belpre High School senior

Jaiton Lockhart works on bending conduit in the electricity section of the Washington County Career Center. (Photo by Michele Newbanks)

MARIETTA — A visit to the Washington County Career Center during his sophomore year set Belpre High School senior Jaiton Lockhart on a career path to being an electrician.

“(The electricity program) just caught my eye,” the 19-year-old explained. “This was something that I could see myself doing.”

Lockhart added his future plans are to become an electrician and work for Canterbury Electric, which is owned by his instructor, Jeff Canterbury.

He participated in SkillsUSA several weeks ago and placed second in Industrial Motor Controls.

“SkillsUSA is for more hands-on trade programs like electricity, masonry, carpentry, jobs of that nature,” Lockhart explained.

One of the skills learned is residential wiring. (Photo by Michele Newbanks)

The competition’s website notes SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It provides educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education in the nation’s classrooms.

Lockhart said with electricity, there are different skills to learn, such as residential wiring, conduit bending and motor controls.

“Which is working with AC/DC motors,” he said of motor controls. “Start and stop push buttons and all that.”

He will be competing in motor controls at the state competition April 23 in Columbus.

“It’s very delicate work,” he added. “It’s working with relay motor starters and time delays … and start/stop conveyors for motors.”

Bending conduit is one of the skills learned in the electricity program at the Washington County Career Center. (Photo by Michele Newbanks)

In his off time, he enjoys building puzzles and playing music. He has been in the marching band since seventh grade.

He’s hoping to take the skills he’s learned at WCCC into the workforce.

“I wasn’t aware of how much there was to do with electricity. I just knew it could hurt you and kill you,” Lockhart explained. “But I’m just in love with it.”

He knows there is no lack of work as an electrician in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“There’s (electrician) companies around here, but not enough to keep up with all the work, so the more we can get, the better,” he explained. “It’s better for the community.”

Jaiton Lockhart fits the bent conduit onto a wall. (Photo by Michele Newbanks)

Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.

***

Jaiton Lockhart

* Age: 19

* High School: Belpre High School

* Program: Electricity

* SkillsUSA placement: Regional — Second in industrial motor controls

Source: Jaiton Lockhart

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