Empowering Future Electricians and Beyond: CES Pembroke’s Commitment to Hands-On Learning

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At City Electric Supply (CES), team members believe in the power of education and the importance of real-world experience. A few years ago, when the Centre Scolaire Catholique Jeanne-Lajoie, pavillon secondaire in Pembroke, Ontario reached out to businesses in the area to participate in a cooperative education (co-op) high school program, CES Pembroke knew it was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. The co-op program allows students to gain hands-on learning and experience in a particular field, and CES Pembroke was thrilled to join this initiative.

Operations Manager at CES Pembroke, Brandon Morris, has been the liaison between CES and the school since working together. Branch Manager Brian Doucette was also eager for the students to come work at the branch.

“If these guys are entering the workforce as electricians, then the electrical industry is in good hands. They’re dedicated, and they really want to do this. They already have career plans laid out and that’s pretty cool,” said Doucette.

CES hosts school co-op program

The program typically allows students to work in the warehouse to retrieve the necessary products, learning the ropes of inventory management and logistics. But their experience doesn’t end there. Students also help with deliveries, load trucks, and interact directly with customers, providing a comprehensive understanding of our operations.

Currently, the co-op program runs for a semester, but its success has sparked discussions about extending it to a year-long course. The students thrive on responsibility, gaining product knowledge, and appreciating the practical experience they gain.

“Most of the things they had us do were pretty fun. I know counting products can be tedious sometimes, but if I’m learning, that counters it. It’s worth it if I’m getting something out of it,” said Patrick Phillips, a junior at Centre Scolaire Catholique Jeanne-Lajoie, pavillon secondaire.

Helping students and branches alike

CES Pembroke is equally enthusiastic about the program. They cherish the opportunity to mentor young minds and help shape the future of the electrical industry. Several managers have remarked how much they enjoyed working alongside the students.

“Whenever they’re ready to enter the workforce, I’d love to have them join our team. These two young men are dedicated and amazing,” said Doucette.

Future career aspirations

This initiative is more than just a class; it’s a stepping stone for students toward a promising career. By partnering with the local high school, CES Pembroke has played a pivotal role in helping students gain invaluable experience relevant to their future career paths.

“I want to be an electrician, and I wanted to get experience in the field. I didn’t do the full-day co-op course so I couldn’t work with a contracting company. I still wanted the experience so I thought the next best thing to do would be to work where all the electricians go to buy their material to learn more about it,” said Xavier Lebel, a junior at Centre Scolaire Catholique Jeanne-Lajoie, Pavillon secondaire.

“My grandpa was a linesman in the military. So, I’m hoping to become a linesman when I’m older. I wanted to learn about all the different types of electrical products — what they do, what their names are, just so I could get familiar with everything. Learning about all the products is going to help me with my future career,” said Phillips.

Looking back on farewells

At the end of the course, Morris and Doucette gifted the students each a Klein Tools backpack filled with tools as a thank you for their hard work and dedication at the branch.

“They were really grateful for our help. I wasn’t expecting it, but they gave us a really nice gift at the end. We got a Klein Tools backpack filled with electrician tools inside to use for the future. I was very thankful for it,” Phillips remembered.

When asked about those considering taking co-op, the students had promising feedback for prospective students.

“Go in with an open mind; you’re going to make mistakes. There are going to be days you don’t want to go. Still, 100 percent, no questions asked, I would recommend this course to students considering it,” said Lebel.

“There’s no reason to be nervous. The staff knows that you’re new, and you’re going to learn everything once you get there. Ask questions, especially when you don’t know what you’re doing. Listening and communicating is also important — if you don’t listen, you’re not going to know what to do!” said Phillips.

Committed to helping students grow

At CES, we’re not just about supplying electrical products; we’re about illuminating futures. Through initiatives like the co-op program, we’re making a lasting impact on our community and inspiring young minds to pursue careers in the electrical industry. Together, we’re building a brighter future, one student at a time.

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