Kyle Long, from Selinsgrove Area High School, is enrolled in the Electrical Systems Technology program at SUN Tech.  He chose this program because he has always had an interest in problem solving.  He took an electrical course his freshman year of high school and decided that was what he wanted to do with his life.  With high hopes of one day starting his own business, Kyle plans on entering the work force while he is still enrolled at SUN Tech through their Co-Op program with local businesses and industry.

SUN Tech offers a world class education to all who enroll.  The year in Electrical Systems Technology class starts with residential wiring.  During this portion of the year, the students learn about everything from how to physically connect wires to make different circuits work, to the theory behind electricity, to how to design a home that will be as energy efficient as possible.

During the second half of the year, the students learn about motor controls and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).  During the motor control portion, the students learn how motors work and how to control them using various sensors, switches, and relays.  PLCs are motor controls using computer programs to tell the motors what to do instead of the switches and relays.  This eliminates the need for people to stand by in order to complete manufacturing processes.  The students also learn about copper and fiber optic network cabling and phone systems.

The outlook for jobs in the electrical field is extremely high.  New jobs are being created every day with the constant search for clean and renewable ways to produce electricity.  Buildings are constantly being built and remodeled and there is a high demand for skilled electricians to wire these projects.  An electrician entering the work force can expect wages ranging from $40,000 – $60,000 depending on the specific job field.  Jobs in this field can range from working with PP&L in the power plant or as a lineman working on the power lines, working on homes as a residential electrician, working in a factory as a maintenance technician, installing and maintaining energy efficient or “green” power sources, installing and maintaining data and voice communication systems in homes, offices, and industrial complexes, and many more.