Pennsylvania College of Technology electrical construction students Caleb D. Fanelli, of Auburn, (left) and Kaleb T. McElrath, of Wellsboro, work on installing new lighting fixtures in the gymnasium at the Williamsport YMCA. Twenty-three students from the Construction Lab IV-Practical Experiences class spent a couple weeks at the facility replacing fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LED lights. (Photo Credit: Rob A. Hinkal, Penn College)
Over 20 electrical construction students from Pennsylvania College of Technology are responsible for brightening the gymnasium and lobby of the Williamsport YMCA.
Students in two sections of the Construction Lab IV-Practical Experience class spent a couple weeks replacing 30 fluorescent lighting fixtures at the facility with bright, energy-efficient LED lights.
High above the gymnasium’s floor, Jason D. Groth, of Birdsboro, (left) and Gavin M. Ulsh, of Hummelstown, ply their trade. (Photo Credit: Rob A. Hinkal, Penn College)
“I can tell you that everyone who uses the gym has reached out to me and our staff to share how great it looks and how much brighter the space feels. Members have also noticed the new lighting in the lobby, especially in the evening,” said Jeremy Bottorf, branch executive director.
Throughout the Construction Lab IV-Practical Experience course, students obtain practical experience in real-world environments by providing electrical work at no labor cost to area nonprofits.
“Since there isn’t a labor cost, we have the ability to take our time and keep a close eye on the students,” said Darrin S. Morse, course instructor. “This class is a great chance to teach the students that the quality of their work is important.”
The Penn College students also replaced lighting in the YMCA’s lobby.
Each student spent about 36 hours on the YMCA project. The assignment required them to use scissor lifts – reaching up to 50 feet off the floor – to complete the lighting upgrade.
“They did a great job, and the staff and members enjoyed interacting with them,” Bottorf said. “They weren’t just professional, they were also personable, and that goes a long way here at the YMCA as we are all about community.”
The Williamsport YMCA has 6,655 members.
“It felt really good to give back to the community,” said student Kira L. Adams, of Bernville. “The lighting in here was so dim. To be able to come in and actually see the difference now that it’s wired up and how much brighter it is and how much better it will be for the kids and families, it’s nice to see such a big improvement.”
In addition to Adams, students who worked on the project were Krew G. Baur, West Chester; Brady W. Bowers, Wellsboro; Dylan D. Bradley, Susquehanna; Kyle J. Burke, Reading; Keyon D. Custer, Tionesta; Michael J. DiNapoli, Trafford; Liam R. Dunham, Macungie; Caleb D. Fanelli, Auburn; Zach C. Fisher, Lebanon; Jordan A. Foulds, Shamokin; Jason D. Groth, Birdsboro; Nathan J. Hope, New Ringgold; Kyle G. Koennecke, Palmyra; Nick D. Laude, Hallstead; Connor D. Lindsey, Coraopolis; Kaleb T. McElrath, Wellsboro; Owen J. Mulhern, Havertown; Ryan E. Remetta, Mechanicsburg; Brett M. Russell, Frackville; Cole J. Snyder, State College; Gavin M. Ulsh, Hummelstown; and Jase R. Wack, Millersburg.
“I think the students did an excellent job,” Morse said.
To learn more about the associate degree in electrical construction and other programs offered by Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520 or visit www.pct.edu/et.
For information on Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
Two sections of electrical construction students worked on the YMCA project. The first section consisted of (from left) Kira L. Adams, Gavin M. Ulsh, Jason D. Groth, Nathan J. Hope, Zach C. Fisher, instructor Darrin S. Morse, Jordan A. Foulds, Krew G. Baur, Kaleb T. McElrath, Jase R. Wack and Caleb D. Fanelli. (Photo Credit: Rob A. Hinkal, Penn College)
The second section included (from left) Morse, Kyle J. Burke, Liam R. Dunham, Brett M. Russell, Brady W. Bowers, Owen J. Mulhern, Ryan E. Remetta, Kyle G. Koennecke, Nick D. Laude, Connor D. Lindsey, Dylan D. Bradley, Keyon D. Custer and Cole J. Snyder.