ACTC programs open doors to apprenticeship success

Published on Nov 21, 2024

National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration recognizing the value of apprenticeship in preparing tomorrow’s workforce.

In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, Ashland Community & Technical College (ACTC) celebrates the transformative power of apprenticeships and the opportunities they offer to individuals seeking career advancement.

Apprenticeships offer individuals the opportunity to learn while they earn, gaining practical experience, certifications, and skills that are in high demand.

Many programs at ACTC can lead to apprenticeship opportunities, such as the Electrical Technology program. 

ACTC alum Micheal Sturgill seized that opportunity. 

A proud 2009 graduate of East Carter High School, Sturgill began his career journey working in a variety of entry-level positions at local fast-food restaurants, factories and retail stores.  

“I decided that wasn't the career path that was good for me, so I decided to go to ACTC and study electrical,” he said. “I chose ACTC because it was the closest and cheapest option that offered the training that I would need to become an electrician.”

Sturgill enrolled in ACTC’s electrical program in 2010, and by 2012, had earned certificates needed for him to go to work in the field. 

While working, he continued his pursuit of his associate’s degree, which he earned in 2017.

With degree in hand, Sturgill says he passed his journeyman's license test in Kentucky and continued to grow in his role, steadily climbing the career ladder over the next several years. 

He then decided to apply to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) apprenticeship program. After a second application, Sturgill was accepted into the program, marking the start of a new chapter in his career.

He completed his apprenticeship this past June and has since obtained his master electrician’s license in West Virginia. 

“I passed with ease because of the combined training of ACTC and the IBEW apprenticeship, along with the 10 years of on-the-job experience,” he said.

He said he would tell anyone considering becoming an electrician to start at ACTC. 

“ACTC gives training to understand the concept of electricity,” Sturgill said. “ACTC also gives hands-on training through their shop classes so that when you get on the job you have a head start in field.”

Graduates of the Electrical Technology program at ACTC are prepared for entry level positions in industry and the building trades. Graduates may also transfer their credit to a four-year institution to pursue a career as an electrical engineer.

For more information, visit https://ashland.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/electrical-technology.aspx

Written by: Megan Smedley