“I instill in the students that you will face hard times, but under pressure you can rise and make something valuable to not only you but the community as a whole. If you have the ability and want to make something of yourself, hard work will pay off.“

Andrew Smith teaches Electricity at Cheraw High School in Cheraw, South Carolina. A veteran tradesman with over three decades of residential and commercial construction experience, Smith transitioned into the classroom out of a deep passion for mentoring the next generation. He holds an associate degree in Electricity, an NCCER Level 3 Electricity certification, and an associate degree in Criminal Justice. Bringing extensive real-world expertise from his background as a municipal building official, Smith infuses his curriculum with rigorous safety standards, code compliance, and practical inspection practices.

Starting the electrical program in a small converted space, Smith expanded the lab into a state-of-the-art facility featuring dedicated three-walled wiring panels for advanced students and an outdoor carport for large-scale fabrication. Students progress through OSHA 10-Hour Construction, NCCER Core, and NCCER Level 1 Electricity certifications before applying their knowledge to complex real-world projects. In one signature hands-on build, students completely restored a donated, rusted golf cart by welding a new floor pan, converting the power system to a modern lithium battery, and rewiring the direct-current circuitry.

Notes of Excellence

  • Business & Industry Alignment: Collaborates with local electrical contractors and the local Electrical Cooperative to align hands-on coursework directly with regional workforce needs.
  • Key Program Impact: Prepares over 100 students each year at a Title 1 school with valuable industry credentials, providing students with a direct pathway into apprenticeships, entry-level electrical work, and continued technical training.
  • Community Connection: Partners with Habitat for Humanity to perform residential rough-in wiring, panel work, and essential electrical safety repairs for elderly and low-income residents.