Daniel Valle: A-dec’s next LBCC-trained Limited Maintenance Electrician

Meet Daniel Valle, a dedicated employee of A-dec, a dental equipment manufacturing company located in Newberg, Oregon. For almost 13 years, he has found numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth while working with the company. Valle is currently enrolled in the Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME) apprenticeship program at Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) to gain his LME license and advance his career at A-dec.

Valle is a Brazilian-American who has been living in the United States for over two decades. He is fluent in English although his first language is Portuguese. After 12 years at
A-dec, Valle pursued an opportunity to become a licensed Limited Maintenance Electrician in A-dec’s property department.

“I am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow with the company,” he said.

A-dec covers the costs for him to attend the LME program at LBCC. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the state licensing exam and become licensed limited maintenance electricians. Students must complete 36 credit hours of coursework, including both classroom instruction and hands- on training.

For Valle, the LME program has been a challenging but rewarding experience. He explains that in the first year, the focus is on textbook learning, and mathematics—particularly algebra—which can be challenging for some students. However, next year, his coursework will become more hands-on, allowing him to apply what he has learned.

Despite the challenges, Valle feels that the program has been very worthwhile and has provided him with a solid foundation in electrical work.

“I’m in class with about 30 people … from high school students to older people like me. And we’re all learning the same trade,” he said. Despite the diverse backgrounds and ages of the students, they are all united in their desire to learn the trade and become licensed LME electricians.

Students work as apprentices while they attend classes. At A-dec, Valle works in the property department and services 16 buildings on the corporate campus. He is working to accumulate the 4,000 hours of electrical work required before he can take the state exam.

“As of right now I’m an apprentice, so I can only do electrical work with somebody who is already licensed,” Valle explained.

Valle works under the supervision of the company’s licensed electricians—all four are alumni of the LME Program at Linn-Benton—or its contracted journeyman electrician.

In addition to the in-house training provided by A-dec, the LME program at LBCC offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of electrical work, from basic electrical theory to troubleshooting complex systems. Students learn how to install and maintain electrical systems, read blueprints and schematics, and follow safety regulations. They also gain hands-on experience working with various types of electrical equipment and tools.

The program is designed to ensure that students like Valle are well-prepared for the exam and have the skills and knowledge required to become successful Limited Maintenance Electricians.

The LME program is in high demand. Many companies, like A-dec, are looking for skilled electricians to maintain and repair their equipment. The program has also been adapted to the changing times so that it is accessible to working professionals like Valle. The program offers both online and in-person classes, and instructors like Matt Kragness work closely with students to ensure that they have the support they need to succeed.

“Three weeks ago, I had an accident and couldn’t drive. My instructor sent me the assignments, and I was able to take classes online when I couldn’t make it to class,” said Valle.

Overall, the LME apprenticeship program at Linn-Benton Community College is a rigorous and comprehensive program that prepares students for success in the electrical industry. With its emphasis on hands-on learning, safety, and practical application of electrical concepts, the program provides students like Valle with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful and highly sought-after electricians.

Despite the challenges, Valle is excited to learn and grow as an electrician. After becoming an LME electrician, he plans to pursue HVAC education and licensure, which will allow him to work on heating and cooling systems as part of A-dec’s in-house team.

“The two go hand-in-hand here,” Valle explained. “And I believe I will stay with A-dec for a long time. It’s an excellent company that treats its employees well and I have job security. I’m fortunate to work for a company like A-dec that is willing to invest in my education and career growth.”