Central Haywood High Schools’ Electrical Systems class is already putting their skills to work.  Mr. Feldman, CHHS Agriculture teacher, has solicited the cooperation of Mr. Sizemore’s Electrical Systems students to run wiring from the school’s greenhouse to a nearby pond to operate a water filter and pump.  Students had to first dig a 150 foot long by 18 inch deep ditch, then they learned how to run the wiring.  Senior Kolby Osterheldt is very excited about the opportunity through the Career and College promise initiative to earn college credit while in high school: “I am learning about the kinds of skills and tools needed, about pricing jobs, and about estimating costs.”  Senior Josh Stewart is very complimentary of the Haywood Community College instructor teaching the Electrical Systems class at Central Haywood this year: After 26 years’ experience, “He knows what he is doing and how to work with students.”

The Career and College Promise program allows these students to earn high school and college credits for the electrical systems courses.  Students who complete both the fall and spring courses at Central Haywood can then finish the Electrical Systems program at Haywood Community College in only two additional semesters. Right now the field is wide open; many local electricians are looking for skilled technicians since so many current electricians are at retirement age. For more information about the Electrical Systems program at HCC, call 627-4637.

Submitted by:  Teresa Heinz, Central Haywood High School