‘Find a career, not just a job,’ Fred Eberle electrical graduate advises

Beckie Boyd
March 12, 2022

This story is part of a series of interviews with former Fred Eberle Technical Center students who talk about their time at the school and where they are today.

BUCKHANNON – Curiosity and passion can be sparked at an early age and carried for a lifetime. One Fred W. Eberle Technical Center graduate is a true example of that.

Jeremy Matko, a 2012 graduate of the electrical technician program at FETC, experienced his first spark of interest in the electrical industry at an early age.

During his fourth-grade science fair project, Matko realized his fascination with electricity. As time went on, Matko later expressed interest in furthering his passion at FETC when learning the electrical technician program would foster – and grow – his interest in electricity. Matko then easily transitioned into industry life after the completion of the program.

“My time at Fred Eberle gave me a leading edge in the industry – especially against other apprentices – with the education I received,” Matko said.

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center is a vocational school that offers students a variety of trade programs. FETC fosters a career-based learning environment for students in North Central West Virginia. Facilities at FETC allow students to learn in the classroom and immediately put that lesson into action in the shop.

“We were able to learn in the classroom and then go into the shop and perform what we just learned,” Matko said. “I really enjoyed that.”

With instructor Robert Lowther at his side, Matko shared that Fred W. Eberle Technical Center instructors are very willing to help each student succeed, even after graduation.

“Get out and get experience in the industry,” Matko said. “Find a career, not just a job.”

Graduates of the program are eligible to complete the Journeyman Electrician’s License certification, which is required to perform electrical work in the state of West Virginia. Licensing exams are also available through the West Virginia State Fire Marshalls Office and the OSHA 10 certification.

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center offers electrical technician programs both during the day and in the evening. Evening classes are typically held on weekdays from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Note: These hours are set by the instructor and are subject to change.) This is a one-year program that operates within the normal academic year.

Applications are currently open for all programs at FETC for the 2022-2023 academic year. The application deadline for the electrical technician program is August 15, 2022. Students interested in applying are encouraged to call the front office at 304-472-1259 or contact FETC online. The campus is located at 208 Morton Avenue in Buckhannon.