A few weeks ago, I had the exciting opportunity to watch a SkillsUSA Contest right on campus.
Robert Abernethy, who takes Electrical Systems at CVCC, is full of ambition for the future. Currently, he is earning a diploma in Electrical Systems, but he’s considering the full Industrial Systems AAS down the road. His First-Place Medal in Electrical Wiring for our 2021 SkillsUSA Chapter proves his talent and knack for the trade!
He took the First-Place title even farther by competing in the National SkillsUSA Competition. What a terrific representative for CVCC!
Take a look at Robert’s story, his passion for Electrical Wiring, and advice for entering the program:
WATCH the SkillsUSA Contest in action! https://youtu.be/adYOxqxKi7s
Q. Why were you inspired to pursue this program?
A: “I was not finding the advancement that I wanted within my current career, so I began exploring alternatives. I knew of the demand (for Electrical Systems) as well as knew one of the CVCC instructors outside of class. After discussing the matter, he convinced to me to enroll, and I haven’t looked back since.”
Q: Why do you enjoy this industry?
A: “It has proven a challenging yet rewarding experience for me. While it is a hands-on trade, there is much more to it than just installing the product. Learning something new and seeing how it fits into the overall picture is one of my favorite parts of class.”
Q: What are some of your strengths and weaknesses you have discovered?
A: “My biggest technical strength is with my blueprint reading skills. I follow retail merchandising plans in my current position, so I am very familiar with them. My biggest weakness is that I am a repetition learner, so I have a lot of room for improvement on the skills that were only cursorily covered in class. Dedication to showing up and eagerness to learn far outweigh any technical aptitudes, however. My success within the SkillsUSA competition is a prime example of this.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I have held a full-time position at work during my time at CVCC as well as I have a family with two children, so what little spare time that I have is spent with them. I have started to do some minor work under a licensed mentor to reinforce what I have learned in class.”
Q: Any advice to someone considering this program?
A: “Go for it! CVCC has developed a great curriculum as well as gathered incredible instructors for its programs. They have also partnered with Lowe’s Hardware Store# 1557 in Hickory to eliminate the financial barrier of purchasing tools for classes.”
Want more information about Electrical Wiring and the Electrical Program at CVCC? Contact Ramie Robinson, Instructor, at (828)-327-7000 ext.4354. Explore more Engineering Technology degrees here.