Students in Perry Technical Institute’s Electrical Technology Program are getting hands-on experience on new transformer labs thanks to a grant from the Pacific Power Foundation. 

Pacific Power Foundation granted $3,000 to the school to create labs to help students increase their understanding of the distribution of electricity and to give them opportunities to make and test transformer connections. The labs are used by students in the fourth section of the training program.

“The Pacific Power grant enables us to create new transformer labs that will help students gain hands-on experience so they will develop a better understanding of the basic operation of transformers,” said Nathan Klebaum, head of the Electrical Technology Program.

Perry’s Electrical Technology Program is a two-year training program which offers students a diversified curriculum. Through classroom, lab and fieldwork experiences, students gain valuable theory and hands-on application. The Washington Department of Labor & Industries recognizes two years of training received from Perry’s Electrical Technology Program toward journeyman certification. 

The Pacific Power Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Pacific Power. Through its charitable investments, the foundation supports the growth and vitality of communities in the Pacific Power service area. Since 1988, the foundation has awarded more than $49.4 million to nonprofit organizations, of which more than $1.9 million was awarded in 2009.