Meet Our Instructors

Gabe started his electrical career in the United States Navy, training as an Electrician’s Mate (EM). He completed the Naval Nuclear Power School training, which included chemistry, physics, metallurgy, and calculus for nuclear power and received certification in nuclear submarines.

After the Navy, Gabe obtained a B.S. in both Information Technology and Networking / Telecommunications. He also completed an A.S. in Microcomputer Technology and became a Licensed Journeyman Electrician. He spent the next few years working in several sectors, troubleshooting and repairing electrical and electronic equipment. Gabe also worked with high voltage distribution equipment at a hospital power plant.

Gabe shifted his focus to learning and development, with a strong focus on safety. He has spent the last 20+ years developing and teaching electrical-based courses across the U.S. and Latin America.

Rick Simpson is a Master Electrician with over 30 years of experience as an electrician, electrical superintendent, electrical estimator and electrical safety instructor. He worked for several electrical contractors in the Bloomington, Indiana area, with projects including a GE Refrigerator plant, various Indiana University buildings, new construction and building renovations. Since 2006 he has taught electrical safety (NFPA 70E), NEC, OSHA 1910.269 Industrial High Voltage, and Grounding & Bonding.

After being honorably discharged from the United States Air force and then the United States Navy Air Reserve, Irv started a 4-year apprenticeship as an Electrical and Instrumentation Technician at a major oil refinery. His military background working with Minute Man III missile systems and sensitive communications provided him with a solid background for all aspects of industrial electrical and control systems. 

In his 30-year career, Irv worked in oil refineries and water / wastewater treatment plants. He has experience as an electrician, instrumentation technician, supervisor of electrical and instrumentation services and as a software developer for many brands of process control systems. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and holds a vocational teaching credential. 

Irv has been teaching electrical safety and electrical code for the past 10 years. Along with his extensive training skills, he also develops custom electrical safety programs for clients, and provides field auditor / assessor services for electrical safety.

Bob has a background not only in electrical training, but also electrical compliance gap analysis, and measuring worker qualification and safe work practices.  He has taught globally for oil, gas and mining corporations, for a wide range of major US companies, and several branches of the US military.   

Bob went through his electrical apprenticeship in the early 1970’s, received his first master’s license in 1978, and worked in a fossil fuel power generating facility for nearly 25 years before beginning his career as an electrical instructor and consultant.  Bob is a Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (NFPA) CESCP, Certified Electrical Inspector, Unlimited (IAEI), Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP), a licensed Master Electrician, and a former Unlimited Electrical Contractor in the State of Florida.  

Bob’s classes include NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 70B, NFPA 70E, 1910.269, NESC, and hazardous locations.  He is also available for safety audits, compliance gap analysis, electrical safe work practice monitoring, development and reporting procedures and tools, as well as workforce development resources and tools. 

Jim has 15 years as an electrical skills instructor teaching in corporations, colleges and trade schools.  Before beginning his career as an instructor, Jim owned and operated Aurora Electric-Data Tel Inc., in Anchorage, Alaska for 22 years.  

Jim currently teaches NFPA 70E arc flash safety, National Electrical Code (NEC), 70B Electrical Maintenance, and grounding and bonding.  He has taught several other classes, a few of which include electricity basics, AC theory, commercial calculations, and transformers and other voltage sources.  

Jim’s credentials include Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP), OSHAcademy Electrical Safety for Technicians and Supervisors Certificate, Master Electrician Licenses in Washington State and Alaska, Electrician Journeyman License in Washington State and Alaska, State of Washington Approved NEC Instructor, and Master Trainer and Certified Instructor from NCCER. 

Jim spent 30 years with Boeing in Seattle, including 25 years developing training for technical classes, and was instrumental in the launch of Boeing’s Craft College educational initiative.  

Jim holds a Masters Certificate in Project Management from Provant University.  

Jim’s classes include electrical systems, controls, and safety including NFPA 70E, and NFPA 79; Allen Bradley PLC’s; GE Fanuc CNC Controls; Siemens 840D CNC; Siemens PLC’s; variable frequency drives, motor controls, basic electricity, electrical controls testing and troubleshooting; Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO), confined space entry; and fall protection.