Student Pursues Career as Electrician After Academy

Student Pursues Career as Electrician After Academy by Mackenzie Ste. Marie, HBA of F-M Communications Intern

David Ebens went from a graduating senior who was unsure about what to do next, to a graduate with a solid plan. Like Ebens, many students approaching high school graduation still have up-in-the-air future career plans. But they do know they don’t want to be stuck behind a desk.

The Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades is a two-week experience for youth 15 years old and up to learn through applied exercises about the construction industry. Students work side-by-side with industry and education professionals, learning about occupations, tools, safety requirements and skills required for satisfying and wellpaying careers. offered a job at New Horizons Electric, Inc., in Fargo, N.D. where he has been working since late summer/early fall.

Ebens explained that he has always been an outdoorsy person, and wanted a career where he could work on a job site. Once the Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades’ activities started rolling, Ebens noticed what he really enjoyed: working with roofing and electrical.

“I had taken some construction classes in high school, but this was different because we were able to work with the contractors themselves and learn how they do things in real life, versus having someone else tell us,” he says. “It was an inside look at how they do things in their own companies. I would definitely recommend it to other students.”

TOP: David Ebens participates in a “speed interviewing” exercise during the Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades.

LEFT: David Ebens works on a project during the Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades.

Celebrating 25 Years

Once Ebens completed the academy, he spoke with a representative from the National Electrical Contractors Association during a speed interviewing process. That representative then contacted Paul Kieffer, New Horizons Electric Inc., about Ebens, whom he considered to be an eager prospect for the electrical industry.

David’s mother, Kathy Ebens, said he couldn’t go wrong with attending the academy.

“It offered a working experience with electrical and plumbing,” she says. “When I heard these students would be able to work with local community contractors, I knew it would be something we should look into, and that he should attend.”

Kathy explained that David was still getting offers from companies upon graduation from the Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades. A few different roofing and electrical businesses contacted David about job openings, but the one that stood out was Kieffer at New Horizons Electric, Inc.

Kieffer explains that the biggest struggle with the workforce currently is finding young people who want to work in the construction field.

“The Herdina Academy is valuable for students and the trades industry because it gives young people the chance to explore trades work,” he says. “I look for someone who is hardworking and personable to take on the position of an electrical contractor.”

In addition to the valuable experience it offers, successful completion of the academy allows students to apply for three college credits and take advantage of scholarship opportunities. To learn more about the Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades, contact Summer Hammond (701) 232-5846 or summer@hbcfm.com, visit www.hbcfm.com or visit @Construction Trades Academy on Facebook.