Electrical Technologies Graduate Finding Success With Bemrich Electric

Public Information Office
6/26/2024

As Bemrich Electric and Telephone celebrates their 40th anniversary, many Iowa Central Community College Alumni will be there celebrating with them as employees. Iowa Central graduates have been a part of the Bemrich Electric team for many years, including co-owner Jamie Bemrich who graduated from Iowa Central in 1989.

More recently, Keenan Cook graduated from the Iowa Central Electrical Technologies Program and joined the local workforce with Bemrich Electric. “I graduated in 2019 and started working immediately,” says Cook who grew up in Fort Dodge and was on the Iowa Central wrestling team.

Cook says he wanted to work in the trades industry because he likes to solve problems, work with his hands, and meet new people. “One of the most interesting projects I’ve been involved with is setting up a robotic arm for a local manufacturing company. The company representative for the robot is from Germany and working with him on the project was pretty cool."

In addition to meeting new and interesting people, Cook says he’s always learning something new. “With the fast pace of different industries adopting new technology and processes, we are always learning new ways to better serve our customers and meet their needs,” reflects Cook.

While he continues to enjoy new challenges on the job, Cook says he was well prepared to enter the workforce when he graduated from Iowa Central. “The hands-on training at Iowa Central matched what I needed to be successful when I graduated and hired immediately,” says Cook. He adds that Iowa Central instructor Thad Cooper was instrumental in choosing a career in Electrical. "I was not sure which trade field I wanted to go in, and Mr. Cooper helped me understand the dynamics and career opportunities of the Electrical Technologies field. I knew I was making a great choice after visiting with him."

An added bonus of attending Iowa Central for Cook was making new friends. “Some of my best friends are people I met at Iowa Central. I had a great experience there and it was very affordable.”  Five years post-graduation, Cook says life is good. “I’m working in a field I love, and I’m surrounded by great people. The leadership and team at Bemrich Electric are my mentors and friends. I feel fortunate.”

Enroll Today for a Bright Future

The Iowa Central Community College Electrical Technologies Program provides training essentials for a career as residential electricians, plant maintenance electricians, wind farm technicians and much more. During the first year, students will develop a solid electrical foundation essential to the many fields of the electrical and electronics industry. The eight-week summer internship will provide relevant industry work experience to ensure a smooth classroom-to-work transition.

The second year of the program will provide additional skills in motor controls, programmable controllers, motor fundamentals, industrial wiring, and conduit bending. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded an Associate in Applied Sciences Degree. With the completion of the Electrical Technologies degree and working as an electrician for 6,000 more hours after graduation, the student will be eligible to take the State of Iowa Journeyman Electrical License exam in Iowa (not eligible in other states).

To learn more about the Electrical Technologies program or to schedule a visit, contact our Admissions team at 1-800-362-2793 or visit us right now at www.iowacentral.edu