Key Takeaways
- Chariho Career and Technical Center’s Electrical Technology class toured ProSystems Integration in Westerly to see industrial‑automation work firsthand.
- Former student Jesse Brunelle, now an engineer at the company, led the tour alongside his father, John Brunelle, the company’s president.
- The visit highlighted the diversity of automation projects, from medical‑tubing extrusion lines to systems for Hershey, Krispy Kreme, and the Mystic River Bascule Bridge.
- Students interacted with engineers on the production floor, learning about design processes, day‑to‑day responsibilities, and safety practices.
- Instructors and alumni emphasized that real‑world exposure helps connect classroom theory to practical applications and can inspire career paths beyond residential wiring.
Overview of the Field Trip
On a Wednesday morning, the Electrical Technology class from Chariho Career and Technical Center visited ProSystems Integration, an automation firm located on Tom Harvey Road in Westerly. The outing was organized to give students a concrete view of the industrial side of electrical work, which receives less attention in the standard curriculum. Jesse Brunelle, a recent alumnus of the program and now an engineer at ProSystems, spearheaded the initiative, inviting his classmates to explore the production floor and see how the skills they are learning apply in a real‑world manufacturing environment.
Safety Preparations and Introductions
Upon arrival, Jesse Brunelle and his father, John Brunelle—president and owner of ProSystems Integration—distributed safety glasses to each student. The pair then guided the group through the facility, pointing out various pieces of equipment and explaining their functions. John Brunelle emphasized the importance of safety protocols in an industrial setting, while Jesse shared his personal journey from the classroom to the shop floor, setting the tone for an informative and inspiring visit.
Facility Layout and Equipment Highlights
The production floor houses a mix of large‑scale machinery and smaller, specialized devices. Students observed extrusion lines, conveyor systems, robotic arms, and control panels, each serving distinct purposes in the automation process. Jesse Brunelle described how the company designs custom solutions for clients ranging from medical‑device manufacturers to food‑processing giants, illustrating the breadth of applications that rely on sophisticated electrical and control systems.
Industry‑Driven Project Examples
During the tour, the Brunelles highlighted several notable projects to contextualize the work being performed. One example involved the creation of control systems for medical tubing used in hospitals, demonstrating the precision required in healthcare applications. Another showcase featured automated packaging lines developed for Hershey Chocolate and Krispy Kreme, underscoring the role of automation in high‑volume food production. Additionally, Jesse mentioned a past collaboration where ProSystems engineered the control mechanisms for the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, a local infrastructure project that showcases the firm’s civil‑engineering capabilities.
Hands‑On Demonstration: Medical Tubing Extrusion
A focal point of the visit was a live demonstration of an extrusion line producing medical tubing. Engineers explained each step of the process, from raw material feeding through the die to cooling and cutting the final product. Students watched sensors and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) adjust parameters in real time, gaining insight into how feedback loops maintain product quality and consistency. This tangible example bridged theoretical concepts taught in class—such as motor control and sensor integration—with their practical implementation on the shop floor.
Student Engineer Interactions
Beyond observing machinery, students had the chance to speak directly with several engineers working on the floor. These professionals detailed their typical day, which includes designing control schematics, programming PLCs, troubleshooting system faults, and collaborating with clients to tailor solutions. The engineers emphasized the blend of creative problem‑solving and technical rigor required in automation work, encouraging students to consider how their interests in coding, mechanics, or electronics could converge in such roles.
Alumni Perspective: Bridging Educational Gaps
Jesse Brunelle reflected on his own experience as a student in the Electrical Technology program, noting that the curriculum heavily emphasized residential and commercial wiring while offering minimal exposure to industrial applications. He expressed a desire to “expose this whole world of the electrical industry to students who don’t get to see this side of things,” arguing that awareness of automation careers expands students’ post‑graduation options. By inviting current learners to his workplace, Jesse hopes to dispel the myth that electrical work is limited to traditional electrician roles.
Industry Evolution and Talent Demand
John Brunelle added a broader perspective on how the sector has evolved, pointing out that while the core machinery has remained relatively stable, the control technology—computers, tablets, and software—undergoes rapid updates every three to five years. He asserted that this constant technological shift creates abundant opportunities for young talent fluent in digital tools. Companies like ProSystems actively seek graduates who can quickly adapt to new platforms, making hands‑on exposure such as this tour a valuable stepping stone toward employment.
Educational Impact and Instructor Endorsement
Ryan Northup, the Electrical Technology class instructor with over two decades of industry experience, underscored the pedagogical value of the field trip. He noted that the visit provides a “foreground” for classroom lessons, allowing students to visualize concepts like industrial motor controls that they have only studied theoretically. Northup also highlighted the motivational aspect, observing that seeing real‑world applications can spark a student’s enthusiasm and lead them to pursue specialized pathways they might not have previously considered.
Future Plans and Ongoing Outreach
Jesse Brunelle expressed his intention to continue hosting seminars at Chariho and to bring additional cohorts of students onto the ProSystems production floor. By repeating these experiences, he aims to sustain awareness of industrial automation careers and to reinforce the connection between technical education and industry needs. The ongoing partnership between the career center and local manufacturers exemplifies a proactive approach to workforce development, ensuring that graduates are well‑rounded, informed, and ready to meet the evolving demands of the electrical and automation sectors.