Morning Sentinel
FAIRFIELD: Lawrence senior Chad Bagley a high-voltage talent
BY COLIN HICKEY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 12/06/2008

FAIRFIELD -- Chad Bagley can wire with the best of them when it comes to electrical systems.

The Lawrence High School senior, a Fairfield resident, proved that last month when he won the electrical-wiring competition at the 9th annual Craft Championship at the Augusta Civic Center.

"He was the best electrical student in the state of Maine this year," said Kathleen Newman, president of the Maine Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc.

Newman said the 24 electrical students spread among six technical high schools -- four from each institution -- vied for top honors.

Each competitor had to connect different types of switches and deal with ground fault and light receptacles, Newman said. To add to the challenge, all of the work had to be completed to National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.

A panel of adult professionals scored students on safety, workmanship, NEC compliance and functionality, Newman said.

Bagley, who studies electrical technology at Mid-Maine Technical Center in Waterville, said he enjoyed the test, mainly because it kept him busy for two-and-a-half hours. He didn't imagine that he might emerge as the No. 1 electrician, he said.

"Actually, I didn't even think I was going to place," Bagley said.

Keven Vachon, Bagley's instructor at Mid-Maine Technical Center, viewed Bagley's chances more optimistically.

"I was not surprised (that he won)," Vachon said. "Chad is able to visualize how things are done and apply that understanding. ... He is very good hands-on."

Vachon said many of his other electrical students at Mid-Maine Technical Center display a similar hands-on proficiency.

He said a lot comes from experience.

"This is a good area to teach (technical skills)," he said, "because a lot of these kids have done a lot of hands-on stuff."

Bagley counts himself in that category.

"My grandfather does a lot of (electrical work)," he said, "and I've helped him out before. He owns five apartments, so we've wired up those."

Bagley is entering the Marines after he graduates next spring.

But had he chosen to stay in the civilian world, Bagley would already have a jump start on a career as an electrician.

Vachon said Bagley is set to earn 576 educational hours in the trade -- making him eligible for national certification as a journeyman electrician -- and five college credits thanks to the program's dual enrollment arrangement with Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield.

He also can boast that he's a state champ.

Colin Hickey -- 861-9205

chickey@centralmaine.com

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