“Taking pride in your work goes a very long way. When students see a family walk into their new home and hear them talk about how beautiful it is, it really hits them that people actually do appreciate good workmanship.“

Erik Chavarria teaches Construction and Electrical Trades at the Career Technical Education Center of Hobbs (CTECH) in Hobbs, New Mexico. His trades foundation began on weekend projects with his stepfather, an electrician, inspiring Chavarria to score exceptionally high on the mechanical and electrical portions of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. He served nearly seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an Aircraft Armament Specialist working on B-1 Bombers and F-16 fighter jets, where he developed a passion for instruction while training newly recruited airmen. Following his military service, Chavarria returned home, earned his New Mexico electrical license, and transitioned into the classroom to help bridge the skilled labor gap. Now holding a Level 2 Teaching License, he brings military discipline and hands-on industry expertise to local youth.

Chavarria instills high standards of workmanship through rigorous, real-world electrical projects and industry-standard training. Beginning with desk-based circuit trainers and progressing to full-scale 8’x8′ framed wall simulations, his students master National Electrical Code standards, conduit bending, and complete service installations. Through a work-based learning partnership with Habitat for Humanity, students build homes from the slab to final electrical punchout, learning firsthand how precision and diligence impact real families. Under Chavarria’s leadership, CTECH operates as an accredited NCCER Training Program and offers NC3 industry credentials, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce.

 

Notes of Excellence

  • Business & Industry Alignment: Partners closely with Habitat for Humanity to deliver real-world site experience and direct job placement opportunities with local contractors, while also collaborating with the Make-A-Wish Foundation on meaningful community projects.
  • Key Program Impact: Has awarded over 2,400 total NCCER certifications and 164 NC3 certifications, while maintaining an uninterrupted streak of gold medals in electrical construction wiring at the state SkillsUSA competition every year since the school opened. 
  • Outstanding Student Project: Level 2 electrical students translate year-long coursework into practice by drafting comprehensive, National Electrical Code-compliant electrical plans onto architectural blueprints for Habitat for Humanity homes, subsequently bringing their designs to life through hands-on, work-based learning on residential job sites.