VGCC Partners with Kittrell Job Corps at Franklin Campus

Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin County Campus recently completed an eight-week Basic Electrical class for ten students enrolled in various “hard-hat” vocational trades at Kittrell Job Corps Center.  On August 3, ten students were presented with either Certificates of Completion or Certificates of Recognition.  They were Derrick Conley, Tova Innis, John Stevens, Linda Baker, Marquis Murray, Cosey Wilkerson, Justin Barnes, Winston Hendricks, Jerome Canady, and David Williams Jr.

“Everyone was very excited about the new venture, and we anticipate future projects with Kittrell Job Corps in other trades,” said Franklin County Campus Assistant Director Anthony Pope.

This Occupational Extension course was taught four days per week, and covered a variety of topics, including parallel circuits, AC/DC voltage, electrical schematics, Ohm’s law, conductors and insulators.  Students also took part in hands-on activities.  Seven students were awarded 6.4 continuing education units upon successfully completing the course.  Students Cosey Wilkerson and Jerome Canady had the highest averages in the class, and they also participated in a special work project at a local church. They helped to install and raise the lights in a barn that was being utilized by the church. “The students said that they enjoyed the class even tough it was harder than they expected,” Pope said. “A few of them even expressed interest in continuing their training and becoming licensed electricians.”

The class was taught by Ralph Vasquez.  Vasquez holds an Associate in Applied Science degree from South Piedmont Community College and is certified in Digital Electronic Repair and Heating/Air Conditioning. 

The same course will be offered during the Fall 2006 semester from September 11 through November 22.  Pope encouraged anyone interested in minor electrical projects, such as installing a ceiling fan or changing fuses, to register.  The cost of the course will be $60 plus the cost of materials.

Kittrell Job Corps students, who originally hail from throughout North Carolina, recently recognized are (left to right): Front row, kneeling: Derrick Conley and Tova Innis.  Second Row: John Stevens, Linda Baker, Marquis Murray, and Cosey Wilkerson.  Third Row: Justin Barnes, Winston Hendricks, Jerome Canady, and David Williams Jr. (VGCC photo)