Students in the Electrical Trades program at Dutchess BOCES’ Career Technical Institute (CTI) got firsthand experience during a visit to Dutchess Community College (DCC) on March 10.
The college’s Electrical Engineering Technology Program Chair Daniel Barbuto had students participate in a motors lab where they measured the speed and torque of a three-phase motor as it was mechanically loaded. They later worked on a motor control system. BOCES has a long-standing partnership with DCC. Barbuto has visited the electrical trade classes and talked about his program at the college. “Dan Barbuto has been part of our trade advisory and main advisory councils to help us with program improvement,” CTI Principal Nick Millas said. Barbuto noted that technicians are in high demand right now, with some employers looking to hire students before they even graduate community college. Entry-level technicians can earn up to $25 an hour.
“You get a two-year degree, you’re going to be hired,” Barbuto said. “Starting salaries have gone up quite a bit.” With COVID-19 rates declining, companies such as Global Foundries and Pratt & Whitney will be able to welcome college students to see their future line of work up close. “You can see what you’re actually going to do as a technician,” Barbuto said. George Ulbrandt found the trip engaging and said anyone can benefit from going to DCC to learn about electrical trades. “If you know absolutely nothing you can come here and walk out the door with at least something new,” Ulbrandt said. “This is a good place to start.” Even if Ulbrandt does not pursue a career in the field, he says he can apply the lessons he has learned in his daily life. “If buy a house and it’s a simple switch or an outlet, I can probably fix it myself,” Ulbrandt said.