Electrical Association

Eye on Education

Written by Paul Krmpotich

We just completed code classes at the Gophers' new TCF Stadium. The feedback has been positive about the venue, subject matter, and the presenters. This encourages us to find other interesting venues that will help participants better understand how the NEC is applied to new and interesting technologies in the electrical industry. As the variety in code classes expands, you may want to take more classes than required to satisfy the relicensing hours.

In conjunction with the licensing exam prep course, we have put in place the following:
• Simulated Exam so participants can take the test under the same conditions they will encounter at the state. immediately after completion of their test, participants will receive their results which will help identify areas requiring more practice or study.
• Question/Answer Forum offered once a month the day before a scheduled state test. This 4-hour afternoon forum will address any questions one would have to help create a comfort level before taking the state test the next day.

An NFPA 70E Safety in the Workplace class available in January. NFPA 70E changes how electricians do things on the job as much as, or in some cases, more than the changes in the NEC. If an accident occurs, OSHA will go to this document to determine if electricians were following these requirements in evaluating and following the methods required to work safely. Fines will be much larger if these requirements are not followed.

The apprentices classes are off and running for the year. If you have or know of someone in a class, please ask them about what they are studying in the class and discuss how they are applying it on the job. Let them know that by increasing their knowledge of the industry will improve their future.

Read more about these classes on pages 8-9 in this newsletter. Please contact me at the MEA office if there are any suggestions, recommendations, ideas, or questions about the education programs.

Work Safely,
Paul K