SHA Staff

Ronald Dulude is learning to be an electrician at the Springfield Housing Authority, one job at a time.

Springfield Housing Authority electrician Joseph Ricker, on the left, shows the ropes to Ronald Dulude, a senior at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy who is working as Ricker’s apprentice.

Dulude, a senior at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, is fixing wiring, fusing, switching out bulbs and repairing outlets and circuit breakers, among other things, under the tutelage of SHA electrician Joseph Ricker.

It’s an apprenticeship that has its sweet spots for both men.

“This is a great starting point for Ron,” said Ricker, a journeyman electrician who has worked in the business the past 25 years. He has been with SHA since last year.

“From here, he’ll move on. He’s a great learner, and he’s doing a lot. He picks things up quickly,” Ricker added. “And when he gets out there in the field, he’ll have an edge because of what he’s doing here now.”

Dulude, who majors in electrical at Putnam, spends 40 hours every other week with Ricker, who is based out of the Riverview Apartments. Together, they travel to among the 27 SHA sites across the city, where they replace, repair and work on all things electric for residents and staff. Dulude began his apprenticeship in November 2012, and will continue for a full year, finishing up in November 2013.

Apprentice Ronald Dulude with his mentor and teacher, SHA electrician Joseph Ricker.

He said he considers it the perfect starting point for a budding electrician. Eventually, he aims to be fully licensed and certified, and working in the field.

“I love it here,” said the 18-year-old. “I love everything about it. Every day, I learn something new. I get to watch Joe, and I get to do things for myself.”

Ricker said he’s always had an apprentice, even when he was in construction, where he worked for many years. He likes being able to share his expertise with those coming up in the field, he said.

“It works out great,” Ricker said. “I get to teach somebody, for one thing. I love teaching. And I get to share the things I’ve learned over the years, help someone else get started.”

At Putnam, which trains students in 22 vocations, partnerships between professionals like Ricker and students like Dulude are essential to the success of the programs.

“You simply cannot overstate the importance of our students having the opportunity to connect what they learn in the classroom with the real-life experience that apprenticeships offer,” said Azell Cavaan, chief communications officer for the Springfield School Department.

“Students develop an understanding of workplace norms and expectations and develop a responsible work ethic. They appreciate and value the opportunity and, in turn, they provide employers with high quality workmanship. It’s truly a win-win situation,” she said.

Dulude will be graduating in June, and is already scouting around for full-time employment when he completes his work at the SHA. The industry requires a five-year apprenticeship to rise to full-time journeyman, as Ricker did years ago.

For now, he’s appreciative of the experience he’s getting while still in high school.

“I know I’m off to a great start thanks to this, and he’s a great boss,” Dulude said. “He’s very nice to me, and he’s a great teacher.”