Elm Futures connects Westfield Tech students to careers in the trades

WESTFIELD — During the week of March 9 to 12, Elm Electrical hosted students from Westfield Technical Academy for its Elm Futures Training Seminar, offering hands-on exposure to careers in the electrical field.

During the four-day program, eight juniors in electrical wiring were trained in Elm Electrical's Elm University classrooms and hands-on lab, learning industry fundamentals and gaining practical experience. The students were taught by Elm instructor Paul Asselin and accompanied by new WTA electrical wiring instructor Brandon Chapman, himself a graduate of the program.

The program concluded Thursday with Challenge Day, when students completed a project board challenge. Elm Project managers evaluated the projects, while Westfield city councilors and school personnel were invited to attend and observe the students in action.

"This program has become a very useful tool when choosing and hiring our co-op students," said Asselin, noting that three seniors from WTA are currently on cooperative education at Elm. "This experience shows me how they learn, how they work together [and] problem-solve. Do they show up on time? Are they safe? Are they responsible for their workspace and tools? We get a good look at them during these four days."

Chapman, who works alongside head instructor Jesse Barrows and instructor Chris Benda in the shop at WTA, said the students with the highest grades were chosen for the training seminar. Participating juniors included Adam Jaworski, Cameron Hilario, Ryan Evans, Hunter Sanctuary, Jack Mihlek, Josh Cormier-Healy, Azizullah Fazli and Jayden Damon.

Mid-week, they were working on mock projects, including a plug with a switch to control a light with MC cable wiring.

"I like it. I'm learning new stuff; using the experience I have and getting new experience," said Fazli, a junior from Westfield.

Fazli said he can't wait to go on co-op, and would like to come to Elm Electrical. "I've been wanting to do this since I was a kid. When I first learned about Westfield Technical, I went to every shop, and electrical wiring was my first choice." He said his father was an electrician in Afghanistan and also helped guide him.

Hilario, who is from Southwick, said he has learned a lot of things during the seminar; some of which he already knew, but he learned how to do the little stuff better. "Overall, it's been a positive experience. I've enjoyed my week here so far," he said.

"It's fun to get outside of the shop, outside of school," said Evans, also from Westfield. "I do like how it's more like everything has to be perfect."

Asselin asked Evans what the most important thing he learned was. Evans said safety, and when asked what else, Asselin said workmanship.

Mihlek, a junior from Southwick, also appreciated the seminar. He told WPS Curriculum Director Susan Dargie, who was visiting the program, that while the work is similar to what they're learning in their shop in school, it is, as Asselin told them, a working interview.

Asselin said the whole point of starting Elm University four years ago is that, previously, they weren't hiring the students they needed as apprentices. "I get them in here for four days; a couple of hours in the classroom, then out here." He said he can now observe how they take direction.

Asselin said that to apply for a Journeyman's license, electricians need 8,000 hours of supervised work experience and 600 hours of classroom training. WTA students can graduate from WTA with up to 1,800 working hours and 300 classroom hours towards their license.

Elm plans to expand the program throughout the year. Additional sessions are scheduled with Chicopee Comprehensive High School in April, and Elm instructors will also take the program on the road to Assabet Valley Technical High School in Marlborough. Another Elm Futures session will be hosted at Elm Electrical this summer.

Elm Electrical's Elm University serves as the company's year-round training facility, supporting employee development and apprenticeship programs designed to prepare the next generation of licensed electricians.

Elm is a diversified automation, construction and electrical services provider that has been serving commercial and industrial customers throughout the Northeast since 1971. Since 2023, Elm Electrical Inc. has been 100% employee-owned.

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