ECU partners with GCHS to provide paid internships for electrical trade students
Dr. Patrick Greene, Chad Beamon, and Ervin Hardee. Photo: Kristy Bock/Neuse News
East Carolina University (ECU) and Greene Central High School (GCHS) have partnered to provide opportunities for students currently pursuing a career in the electrical field. Interviews for an internship with ECU were held at GCHS.
“The goal is to have kids from the advanced trades program, through interviews, that will have the opportunity this summer to work 20-40 hours a week in all facets of the electrical program,” said GCHS Principal Dr. Patrick Greene. “Everything from changing light bulbs, to setting up new buildings on campus, and everything in between.”
Power Distribution Lead Electrician for ECU Chad Beamon and Power Distribution electrician Evrin Hardee started with six potential applicants and interviewed four; Jacob Beamon and James Miller which are both HS seniors, Diego Gonzalez a Junior, and Brendan Kaminski a sophomore.
“All for were extremely impressive, with knowledge and the way they presented themselves,” said Beamon.
Two applicants will be selected and notified by Monday that they were accepted into the program.
Greene hopes the “this summer internship leads to an apprenticeship the following year. And then hopefully a job on campus, and East Carolina continues to pay for their education, and keeps them as an employee.”
The selected interns can expect to gain a basic understanding of Electrical Theory, pipe fill and distance with adding new or replacing existing circuits. Understanding of Electrical Schematics, electrical drawings, conduit bending, installation, operation of repairing lighting circuits and outlets, as well as testing equipment.
“I think it’s a win-win for us and the university,” said Greene. “It gives our kids something to really work towards, and a realization of what they do in class really leads to opportunities and careers.”
The selected applicants will work Tuesday through Thursday, eight hours a day in a paid internship.
