For Jordan Tuck, an Electrical Occupations student and senior at Wyomissing Sr. High School, a passion for the electrical trade started early—and has continued to grow with every hands-on experience.
Jordan was introduced to the trade at age 13 by a family friend who owns an electrical company. That early experience sparked his interest in electrical work and eventually led him to BCTC, where he has expanded his knowledge of residential, commercial, motor-control electrical systems and lineman work. “I’ve always been interested in the electrical field, working with wires and all of that,” Jordan said.
When the opportunity arose to participate in a co-op experience, Jordan jumped at the chance to take his learning beyond the BCTC classroom. During the summer, he worked at M-TEC Control, gaining valuable experience in motor controls and learning how electrical systems operate in real-world settings. Jordan worked with motor-control systems used for everything from HVAC units, heaters and fans to complex control systems. He also learned about components such as transformers, contactors, and disconnects, as well as how to read and follow electrical schematics. “It’s really beneficial for me to learn that in my co-op,” Jordan said.
One of his projects involved building a control system for a basin heater used at a data center. The system uses sensors and a probe to monitor water temperature, activating the heater when needed to maintain a consistent temperature.
His co-op experience also introduced him to the importance of small details that can make a big difference in the job. From properly labeling electrical panels to learning tricks for keeping components aligned during installation, Jordan quickly discovered that experience in the field brings lessons that can’t always be learned in a classroom.
One of his biggest challenges came while wiring a complex panel using a schematic. Although the project was initially confusing, Jordan stuck with it until he figured it out. “I was glad I finally learned how to actually read the schematic,” he said. “I felt really accomplished when I finally got it finished.”
That confidence is exactly what Jordan hopes to continue building throughout his senior year. His next co-op experience will take him into residential wiring, where he plans to work on building houses and further develop his skills.
For Jordan, the goal is simple: learn as much as possible. “You can never learn too much because there’s always something to learn,” he said. “I love the trade. I’m trying to learn all about it and how everything works.”
After graduation, Jordan is considering two career paths—becoming a lineman or working as a service technician. Regardless of which direction he chooses the variety of experiences he has gained through BCTC and co-op are helping prepare him for a successful career in the electrical industry.
His advice to younger students considering career and technical education is equally straightforward: follow your interests. “If you are in a program and you don’t like it, you don’t have to be committed to that program,” Jordan said. “Always do what’s best for your interests and what you want to do in life. Keep your dreams first.”
For Jordan, following that advice has helped turn an early interest in electrical work into a growing skill set, a stronger resume and a future full of possibilities.