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BRISTOL, R.I. – At 24 years old, Grant Prete ’24 has already reached milestones many people spend years working toward. A graduate of the Electrical Apprenticeship program through the Extension School at �������츣��һ��, Prete recently earned his journeyman electrician license, advanced into a foreman role at Kelco Electric, and purchased his first home.

Prete’s journey reflects the power of hands-on education, persistence, and patience in a skilled trade that remains in high demand. Born in Milford, Mass., and raised in North Providence, R.I., Prete began his academic journey at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), where he earned an associate degree in Electrical Engineering. While he valued the technical foundation, he soon realized he wanted a career rooted in hands-on work rather than a desk. 

“I really liked the hands-on aspect of it,” Prete said. “But I saw where that field was going. It was more of me sitting at a desk and telling people how to do the job. I’d rather be out there in the field doing it.”

Determined to pursue a more practical and field-oriented career, Prete began researching apprenticeship programs. While CCRI offered an option, he was drawn to RWU’s Extension School after discovering it included something unique: dedicated preparation for the journeyman licensing exam.

“If I’m going to base everything on passing a test to get my license, it was a no-brainer,” Prete said. “RWU was the only school in the state offering that kind of test prep.”

Once enrolled, Prete quickly found support not only in the classroom but also in job placement. He credits program instructors Richard Besser and David Payne with helping shape his professional foundation, connecting him with his first employer and guiding him through the requirements for licensure – from tracking work hours and schooling requirements to navigating the National Electrical Code, a critical skill for professional electricians.

“The Extension School helped place me into the workforce and kept me on track,” Prete said. “They’re not sending someone to the state exam who doesn’t know what they’re doing. They make sure you’re ready.”

Prete’s first placement was with Guarino Power Systems, LLC, a small electrical company – a decision he now recommends to new apprentices. Working one-on-one with owner Paul Guarino, he gained hands-on experience across a wide range of applications, from residential wiring to commercial projects and specialty installations. That immersive experience allowed him to apply what he was learning in class directly to real-world situations.

But Prete emphasizes the importance of expanding your skill set.

“Don’t stay in one place your whole apprenticeship,” he advised. “Learn everything you can, then move on and get exposure to different types of work. Be a sponge.”

Today, Prete works for Kelco Electric as a foreman and journeyman electrician, overseeing projects and crew while continuing to expand his technical expertise. The company focuses primarily on service, industrial, and commercial applications.

Now a homeowner, Prete has also established meaningful retirement savings and is financially independent – achievements he attributes to patience and long-term planning.

Looking ahead, he’s not slowing down. Prete is currently working toward obtaining his Massachusetts electrical license and plans to pursue a license in Connecticut as well, expanding both his professional opportunities and earning potential.

For those considering the Electrical Apprenticeship program, Prete offers simple advice: stick with it.

“At first, it might feel overwhelming,” he said. “But be patient. You have your whole life to work. The return is there.”