Electrical Maintenance Intern, Matthew McLaughlin, has been gaining hands-on work experience by working on everything from lighting systems to probes and brushes throughout the plant. Each day brings something new, whether it’s replacing lights, working deep inside the plant, or even going to the top of the stack to change a red warning light.
“Every day is different,” Matthew shares. “One day I might be working on lights, the next I’m up in the stack or helping in another part of the plant. It’s helped me understand how things really work and how they’re activated, which is something you don’t always see in the classroom.”
Matthew notes that the experience has been more work than he expected, but it’s also been more rewarding. It has shown him the similarities and differences between what he’s learned in school and how systems function in real life. He believes this hands-on exposure will not only help him perform better academically but also give him a clearer path toward his goal: landing a full-time role in the industry.
He has learned valuable insight to this career. “I always come in with an open mind and take it slow. I have learned a lot in the past month, and I am excited to learn more.” Matthew still plans to pursue a career in electrical maintenance.