Faculty Spotlight – Tim James

We are proud to spotlight Tim James, Residential and Commercial Electricity Instructor at Washington County Community College. Tim has served as a full-time instructor for the past two and a half years, after previously teaching as an adjunct during COVID. With a diverse background in electrical work, emergency services, and hands-on problem solving, Tim brings energy, creativity, and real-world experience into every lesson.

 

A Day in Tim’s Role 

Tim’s favorite part of teaching is guiding students as they learn and grow. He finds real joy in those “aha moments” when a concept finally clicks. For him, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student understand something new and feel confident in their abilities.

He thrives on the excitement of introducing students to new skills and ideas, helping them build both technical knowledge and self-assurance as they prepare for careers in the electrical field. Tim often reminds students that electrical work is the only trade you can’t physically see, which makes understanding, precision, and safety even more critical.

 

What Makes Tim’s Program Stand Out

The Residential and Commercial Electricity program is a 10-month, hands-on program designed to prepare students for entry-level work as electricians. Students are introduced to a wide range of skills and technologies, including solar energy, motor controls, wind energy concepts, and thermal imaging.

One of the program’s biggest strengths is its small class size. The lab features 18 individual booths, giving each student their own dedicated workspace. This setup allows for personalized instruction, stronger connections with Tim, and meaningful collaboration among classmates.

Tim has intentionally created an environment where students learn from one another. He encourages them to explore each other’s workspaces, share ideas, and build a strong sense of community within the program. Just as importantly, he ensures that every student has a safe, supportive environment to learn in, something he sees as essential in a hands-on, high-skill trade like electricity.

Students also gain real-world experience through a required internship. This is a one-month internship with a contractor of their choice before transitioning directly into the workforce.

 

Program Outcomes and Opportunities

Students learn electrical theory and the techniques of the trade, including blueprint reading, wiring, pipe bending, motor control, switching, and power circuits. Emphasis is placed on meeting the requirements of the National Electrical Code in all wiring installations.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the State of Maine journeyman’s electrician examination. Upon passing the state examination, students are issued journeyman-in-training licenses.

Graduates may find employment opportunities with electrical contractors, electrical equipment suppliers, and industrial maintenance companies, opening the door to a wide range of career paths in the electrical field.

To enroll, students must meet one of the following requirements: graduate from a Regional Technical Center Electrical program or equivalent, earn an SAT or Accuplacer score high enough to qualify for Math 106, or pass high school algebra with a C or better.

Tim’s Journey in His Field

Tim has been around electrical work for most of his life, getting his start in a family-owned business. Over the years, he has worked in industrial, thermal, and commercial electrical settings, building a well-rounded foundation in the trade.

In addition to his electrical career, Tim spent 20 years serving as an EMT and firefighter. He has also traveled internationally to assist with flood recovery efforts, helping communities rebuild after disasters.

His passion for learning hasn’t slowed down. Tim is currently enrolled in WCCC’s Electromechanical Instrumentation Technology (EIT) program, where he is continuing his education, sometimes alongside his former students. The program focuses on advanced skills such as programmable logic controls, instrumentation, computer electronics, and physics, preparing graduates for careers in manufacturing and process industries.

Outside of the Classroom

Tim can be described as multi-passionate. Outside of teaching, he enjoys playing the drums, camping, and running his own clothing business, Cabin Fever Embroidery in Calais, where he embroiders custom apparel.

He is always learning something new, constantly exploring new skills and interests that reflect his hands-on, creative mindset.

Three Words to Describe Tim

Innovative, Personable, Passionate.

Looking Toward the Future

Tim is excited about the continued growth of the program and is always thinking of new ways to expand hands-on learning opportunities for his students. He is especially passionate about creating engaging, practical experiences that prepare students for real-world success.

Some of the most meaningful moments in his teaching career come when students personally thank him for helping shape their future. Those moments, he says, mean everything.

Tim’s advice is simple: come see the program for yourself. Experiencing the environment, meeting the instructor, and seeing the lab/shop space firsthand is the best way to know if it’s the right fit.

Thank You, Tim! 

Thank you, Tim, for your dedication to your students and your commitment to hands-on, meaningful education. Your passion, experience, and innovative approach are helping build the next generation of skilled electricians.