Conduit bending is an essential skill an electrical apprentice will learn. The Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA) electrical apprentices practice this during all levels of training. The first- and second-year students start with hand benders and as they advance will learn how to bend larger conduit with electric and hydraulic bending equipment.
“This is an extremely generous donation,” said SEMCA Education Director Deanna Morley. “Companies like Southwire are committed to paying it forward in supporting education in the trades. Our students and instructors benefit greatly from having this new technology at their fingertips — I applaud Southwire for choosing to make this investment in our students’ careers.”
As this is a crucial skill to learn it is also difficult, commonly described by many electricians as an artform. It requires precise knowledge of geometry to fit angles of the bends in complex parts of system design.
“This past summer, SEMCA received a generous donation from the premier electrical supplier, Southwire. Southwire is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electrical wire, cable, and cord. The organization donated over $25,000 worth of materials to outfit the shop with a conduit bending table, wire pullers, and slick wire.”
This past summer, SEMCA received a generous donation from the premier electrical supplier, Southwire. Southwire is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electrical wire, cable, and cord. The organization donated over $25,000 worth of materials to outfit the shop with a conduit bending table, wire pullers, and slick wire. This donation will help SEMCA provide more robust conduit bending training.
Southwire’s commitment to enhancing SEMCA did not stop at this donation. Specialty trainers will be on site to help teach instructors and students’ best practices. Southwire has also committed to accepting one SEMCA graduate per year for their Top Gun apprentice program. The winner of this award is gifted $750 worth of tools and an all-expense paid trip to their headquarters in Georgia. This year, 2020 SEMCA graduate Matthew Guza was named the Top Gun.
SEMCA is grateful to have a partnership with an organization like Southwire. Southwire is committed to be an innovator and leader in the electrical space. Students will be afforded the opportunity to practice on the newest equipment setting them up for success as they become journeymen.
