ConstructionDist.com |

SYCAMORE, IL, February 2, 2010 -- Community colleges training America's next generation of electricians have felt the toll of a wrenching recession. As states run low on school funding, community college instructors have embraced industry partnerships to assure their students benefit from the newest supplies and technologies.

Hinds Community College, the largest community college in Mississippi, is a case in point. Hinds serves as a start for thousands of local residents who come to the college to improve and enrich their lives through education, training and lifelong learning. Its highly-regarded electrical programs prepare students for entry-level employment as electricians by learning to install, maintain and repair electrically energized systems found in residential, commercial and industrial settings. The program serves 85-100 students a semester.

"Our program has an excellent reputation with the IBEW, the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation, and local businesses looking for skilled electricians," explained Marvin Moak, Head of the Electrical Training Program. "While Hinds is one of the best equipped programs in the country, it is sometimes a challenge to keep up with our students' demands for electrical supplies. Help from industry is always appreciated."

To make up for the shortfall, IDEAL Industries, Inc. recently donated to Hinds thousands of its Wire-Nut®, Wing-Nut® and Push-In™ wire connectors, along with conduit benders, training software, and Lockout/Tagout safety equipment.

Russell Nadicksbernd of RT Electrical Sales (Memphis, TN) assisted in the donation: "We have sent Hinds IDEAL supplies in previous years. We have a good relationship with the school and a number of the instructors.  We have also helped with seminars on Lockout/Tagout and Test & Measurement."