Meet Toemore Knight
Master Electrician
T.E.I. Electrical Solutions, Frederick, Maryland
Toemore Knight knows what it means to want a better life and to start building it through working in the construction industry. Now a master electrician, Knight once struggled with drugs and was homeless.
ABC’s Project JumpStart gave him that second chance. He graduated from that pre-apprenticeship program as a top-ranked electrical student and has been working in the industry ever since for the past 12 years.
Knight often shares his success story with the next generation that he helps to train as a year-one electrical instructor at ABC. At the end of this school year, the first class that Knight ever taught for ABC is scheduled to graduate, bringing his influence full circle.
We spoke with Knight about what the industry and training mean to him.
Q: How did you get started in the industry?
A: I had a family member working in the electrical trade and he introduced me to the industry at a young age.
Q: Why do you volunteer as an ABC instructor?
A: I wanted to give back and help the upcoming generation. And it helps me, too. Teaching the craft allows me to keep up with any electrical code changes and new items.
Q: What’s been the most rewarding part of training the next generation?
A: Being able to see the students grow and accomplish a goal in their lives is what drives me. It’s all about their smiling faces at the end of the school year.
Q: What’s your best advice for students and for those who want to succeed in the construction industry?
A: Always be willing to learn. Stay open minded and prepare yourself to gain knowledgeand teach others.