[Clinton, N.C.] – Luke Matthews is an Industrial Technologies Instructor at Sampson Community College (SCC) who recently earned his NC Electrical License, adding to his Electrical System Technology and Industrial Systems Technology degrees. A former graduate of Lakewood High School and SCC, he continues to educate and mentor the next generation of electricians at the College through his role—inspiring them to pursue their certifications and join the local workforce upon graduation.

Growing up, Matthews worked on his family’s farm, where he learned to build and fix equipment at a young age. After encouragement from his grandfather, he decided to pursue higher education at SCC, enrolling in two trade programs. Matthews became the first person in his family to graduate from college, before taking a position as a local plant electrician. In 2023, he returned to SCC as an Industrial Technologies Instructor, where he currently serves students.  

“My Grandpa always told me I needed an education so I wouldn’t be stuck on the farm my entire life. There is not one day I would take back from working on the farm where I learned to be independent and what the meaning of hard work was. His words of wisdom persuaded me to go to college and be the first person in my family to complete any higher education. Going through both associate degree programs, I felt that I learned the information extremely quick and I was enjoying the work involved.”

Recently, Matthews, along with Jacob Gregory, Electrical/HVAC Instructor at SCC, completed professional development training by earning their NC Electrical Licenses—enhancing their ability to train the next generation of electrician students. According to Matthews, the process involves 3000 hours of work experience, in addition to completing a rigorous 6-hour exam that only 37% of test takers pass the first time.

He shared, “Earning my Electrical License in the state of North Carolina was no easy process. Becoming a licensed electrician allows me to share my experience to the students and know exactly what they should be trained for so they can pursue out and become great electricians themselves. Being able to pass this knowledge should help simplify the process for students and help encourage them to achieve their license as well.”

Matthews mentioned that SCC’s Electrical program supports students in working towards their own electrician licenses through specifically teaching the National Electric Code and best methods of interpretation and understanding. Additionally, the authentic labs that simulate industrial, commercial, and residential environments, in combination with classroom learning and real-world training, also prepare students for the licensing exam and a successful career in the electrical field.

“All our electrical classes have a lab portion and a theory portion,” Matthews explained. “We first make students understand how electricity works and then we have lab portion that students can get out and see what how jobs get completed in the field. We make this lab time for students as real as possible so when they get out in the real world, they have already seen a lot of it and can relay it back to things we have completed in.”

Reflecting on his time at SCC, Matthews voiced that the most rewarding part of his job has been the chance to produce future electricians that are coveted locally, but also in the state. NC currently boasts a total of over 13,000 licensed elections, with 340 being over the age of 80. Only 10% of the electricians are under 40 years old, which leaves a gap in young up-and-coming workers. However, Matthews noted that the electrical workforce is vast, with numerous positions open for graduates of the program– including those who don’t choose to pursue licensure.

He stated, “Not all of our students want to achieve their license, they may want to work in a plant as an electrician or work for an electrician and we try to help those students find jobs as well. I believe SCC is great for students because they can come into our program learn the correct way to complete electrical tasks and safety to go along with it. Just because it passes inspection and trades people do it doesn’t mean its always the best and the correct way to complete the job.”

SCC’s Electrical Systems Technology program offers both certificate, diploma, and degree options. The curriculum is designed to provide training for persons interested in the installation and maintenance of electrical systems found in residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. Coursework, most of which is hands-on, will include such topics as AC/DC theory, basic wiring practices, programmable logic controllers, industrial motor controls, applications of the National Electric Code, and other subjects as local needs require. 

Matthews closed, “The electrical industry around is growing, with alternative energy, electric cars and increasing power bills potential customers are looking for way to get help and get the most out of there supplied electricity. Electricians are needed in the state to fulfill the needs of these people and we are trying to teach students the right way to go out and be ready to help these potential customers.”

For more information about the Electrical Systems Technology program at SCC, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/electrical-systems

About Sampson Community College:  Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.