The Direct Learning Resource
The Owner/Lead Instructor |
David is widely recognized as one of America's most knowledgeable and dynamic electrical educators, and is committed to the electrical industry. His development of educational products that are interesting and technically correct has made his name synonymous with quality education. His dedication to electrical training is the result of his own struggles as an electrician looking for a program that would help him succeed in this challenging industry. David worked his way up through the electrical trade as an apprentice, journeyman, master electrician, electrical contractor, electrical designer, and developer of training programs and materials for the electrical industry. He continues to develop additional courses, seminars, and workshops to meet today's changing needs for individuals, organizations, vocational and apprenticeship training programs. David's extensive knowledge of the National Electrical Code, his hands-on experience, and his unique style of presenting information make his products a must for all in the electrical industry. He is devoted to providing quality training aids such as seminars, videos, books and software that enhances job performance, personal confidence and career growth. The quality that sets Dave apart from the others is his ability to motivate his students to become successful. Davids' experience as an electrician, and contractor have helped him develop training programs that the electrician understands and enjoys. His ability to take the intimidation out of learning is reflected in the success rate of his students. CODE EXPERT: Dave has devoted his career to studying and understanding the National Electrical Code, a foundation of the electrical industry. Researching the NEC all these years and understanding its background has not only made Dave an expert, but it has earned him the respect of his peers. His ability to simplify technical concepts makes him one of America's most sought after speakers in the electrical trade. His dynamic and animated teaching style is relaxed, direct, and fun. Perhaps Davids' best quality is his ability to motivate his students to become successful. HE is a:
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Being an electrician is a very demanding career, and holds much responsibility. The technical expertise required to handle the job means that individuals today need to be more educated than ever before.
I truly believe in education and continuing education in the electrical trade. Experience alone isn't all that’s needed. Being a truly good electrician requires a complete understanding of electricity, as well as the work experience which teaches the “best practices” for safety, and efficiency.
The National Electrical Code®, commonly known as “the electricians’ bible” states in Article 90.1 (c), “Intention - This Code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.” The NEC® is intended for use by capable engineers and electrical contractors in the design and/or installation of electrical equipment; by qualified industrial, commercial, and residential electricians; and by instructors of electrical apprentices or students. It is not enough to “know the codes” alone, a good electrician must see beyond the codes.
I began as an inexperienced teenager in the electrical trade, and it was often said of the 2nd, or 3rd year apprentice electricians “they know just enough to be dangerous”, I didn't understand fully what was meant by this, until after many years of experience, and research. Now, the more I learn the more I realize, . . . . I still need to learn more.
I sometimes wonder if many of today’s electricians fully understand the responsibility that they are assuming when they strap on their tool-belts. The electrical trade is the one trade which has caused the most property damage and deaths, of all the skilled trades.
A leaky roof, or dripping water faucet, a plugged drain, etc. hasn't caused the damage or deaths that electricity has. Not just on the jobsite, but also long after the electrician has left the jobsite.
It isn't just that electricity is inherently dangerous, but that it is so widely distributed, and complacently utilized. (compare the number of electrical outlets/devices, to plumbing outlets in most any home or business) It has become so commonly accepted and used that we tend to forget the sheer energy, and therefore, danger involved. This energy can easily kill, or be transformed into heat in MANY ways, causing fires which often, . . also kill.
There is of course the danger of electrocution, but by far the most property damage, and loss of life results from fires caused by faulty electrical installations. Note: the NEC® was/is created by the NFPA® (National Fire Protection Association). If (like me) you have very many years of experience, I am sure you have seen first hand the many “near misses”, and even a few actual fires caused by faulty electrical installations.
If you learn just ONE thing which prevents just a single loss, as a result of continuing education, then it is well worth it!
David Nicholson