|
Project Gallery:
Some
of the projects listed below are activities from
the previous school year and continue into the 09-10 year of
learning activities.
The Solar Car -- The Sunsetter
Solar Tower Installation
Orange Boathouse
Orange Armory
Vets Field Pavilion Project
Other Projects: Habitat for Humanity - Peace Pagoda
|
|
|
|
|
|
William
(Bill) Gallant is a 1981 graduate of Franklin
County Technical School. Bill was an electrical
student at FCTS and went on to a successful career
as an electrician. In 2000 Bill returned to FCTS
to become one of our electrical instructors. Bill
is a dedicated and hardworking teacher. He focuses
student education on the residential aspects of
the electrical fields. Students
get the benefits of a vocationally trained, experienced,
licensed electrician and licensed instructor with
a great deal of enthusiasm for his trade.
Bill is excited about integrating green technologies
into the curriculum. Photo voltaic installation, renewable energy and
conservation are important to Bill, and he carries that passion into
the classroom.
|
William "Bill" Gallant |
|
........
|
----------------------------
Todd
Weed
is brand new to FCTS, replacing Bill Kerivan who retired
this July after many years as an electrical teacher. Todd
comes to FCTS with 18 years of experience as an electrical
instructor
at
Leominster Center for Technical Education. Prior to teaching,
Todd worked in industrial and commercial wiring for 10
years, and owns his own business, Pioneer Valley Electric.
Todd brings to FCTS experience in green technologies.
He was an advisor for a Renewable Energy Club that constructed
its own windmill, converted a diesel truck to
vegetable oil operation and conversion of another vehicle
to electric power. Todd is excited to be at FCTS and
is impressed with the enthusiasm staff, administration
and students have for vocational education.
|
Todd Weed |
|
........
|
----------------------------
 Curriculum: The
electrical program develops student skills for eventual
entry-level career opportunities upon graduation. Safety
is of paramount importance and students begin their training
with a strong foundation of safety measures and build
upon those critical skills for the entire time in the
electrical program.
Students learn installation and maintenance of equipment for light,
heat, and power with a emphasis on construction. Mathematical and
scientific principles are stressed to develop understanding of electrical
circuits and theories. Additionally, Massachusetts Electrical Code,
blueprinting reading, schematic and wiring diagrams and determining
cost estimates are all part of the program.
With the importance of "Green Technologies" in construction and energy
consumption, the FCTS electrical program has become heavily involved
in the introduction of photovoltaic (solar) technologies. Along with
the traditional skills necessary for success in the electrical field,
keeping up with emerging technologies provides the graduates of the
electrical program the skills needed in the changing electrical field.
Projects: FCTS, as the regional vocational
high school of Franklin County, does so more than teach
in a lab classroom and simulation environment. Trade
programs have large shops filled with the same tools
and technologies used by those men and women working
in the trades. As a true extension of the classroom,
authentic electrical projects are critically important
to the learning environment. FCTS facility projects,
along with projects for municipal and non-profit groups,
offer hands-on learning to the students. Real world
projects truly provide the students with an opportunity
to apply what they have learned. Our students thrive
on authentic work! You can demonstrate and practice
a skill - like bending conduit or wiring projectors
and AV lines, but there is nothing like using those
skills for real, under the direction of your instructor
who now acts as your field supervisor.
Requests for FCTS electrical work must provide educational value
to the students and must align with the curriculum. If you are a
municipal group or non-profit organization, you can contact John
Carey , Director of Curriculum & Instruction, to find out more
about FCTS electrical work (this applies to our other shop areas
as well.)
|
|
|
........
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
