Local IBEW 103 Donates Solar Panels to School, Offers Scholarship to Student

The Medford Vocational Technical High School Electrical Department would like to thank Business Agent Mike Calder and IBEW local 103 for the generous donation of solar panels to our program.

Teaching “hands-on” is what we do best, and having these solar panels will demonstrate how to handle, install and connect solar panels in a simulated job site environment, thus preparing our students for 21st century jobs, and making them more marketable when they join the workforce during their senior year of high school.

Our hope is that we can also allow teachers in science classes both at the Vocational High School and at MHS to develop lesson plans and use the panels as alternative energy demonstrators throughout the school year.

We also would like to thank IBEW local 103 business agent Mike Monahan for granting senior student Mike Merrill, a scholarship into the electrical union. Mike was chosen from among his peers as the most outstanding student in the program based on performance and attendance. Typically, a young man or woman is required to pass an exam, and go through a rigorous interview process after which a small percentage of workers are accepted into the apprenticeship program. This opportunity allows Mike to skip that part and join the program at the end of June.

As a student, Mike was always the go-to guy in the electrical shop. He always asked relevant questions, and truly grasped the concept of becoming a professional electrician. We wish Mike all of the best as he begins his 5-year apprenticeship with IBEW local 103.

Calder said this apprenticeship partnership brings Medford High School’s best and brightest electrical student into IBEW Local 103’s Apprenticeship Program. One student every year from this school, who exemplifies a positive attitude, has the highest grade average, best attendance and the best overall attitude will be offered into the best apprenticeship program the electrical industry has to offer. He or she will receive the most competitive wages, premium health care coverage (paid 100% by the employer) and a true pension that guarantees benefits after a brilliant career.

– Information and photos from Medford Vocational Technical High School