Wired up

FFA members from six area high schools put their wiring skills to the test at the Sub-Region FFA-EMC Electrification Career Development Event (CDE) held at Walton EMC’s Monroe headquarters.

Student competitors demonstrated their knowledge and technical skills during the event that serves as a preliminary to the region competition. Regional winners qualify for the state finals and a chance to pocket a $1,000 scholarship provided by Georgia’s electric cooperatives.

The contest begins with an electrical wiring problem. Participants translate a wiring diagram, select the necessary wiring materials for the problem and then install a complete electric circuit.

Upon construction of the circuit, students answer problem-solving exercises based on their understanding of the National Electric Code. The students end with a demonstration before a panel of judges explaining the steps to complete an electrical wiring task.

Georgia’s electric cooperatives partner with the Georgia Department of Education to sponsor and host FFA Electrification CDEs across the state. The sub-region competition in Monroe includes students representing high schools from the service areas of Walton, Rayle and Snapping Shoals EMCs.

Walton EMC has sponsored the contest since it began in the 1960s, said Jennifer Broun, the co-op’s community and youth representative. She and other Walton EMC employees coordinate the sub-region contest and serve as judges.

“This event is complex, challenging and requires many hours of preparation by the students,” she said. “But in the end, each has learned a valuable, practical skill, and we hope some may use it as a springboard to a career with an electric co-op like Walton EMC.”

Winners in the Sub-Region FFA-EMC Electrification CDE are, from left, Caden Berggren, Oglethorpe High School FFA, first place; Leyton Morris, Morgan County High School FFA, second place; and Hunter Hammond, Oconee County High School FFA, third place.

Full event photo gallery can be found here.