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GREENSBORO – Guilford County school leaders announced the expansion of the district's certified technology program. A new electrical technology course is gaining momentum, and school leaders say it will ultimately give students the tools they need to compete in the workforce.

"There's jobs for electricians, so we want to tell them, this is what you can do and this is your opportunity," says Alexander Lee, who teaches the new electrical technology course at Page High School.

The course is a part of Guilford County School System's Career and Technical Education program.

"We go in the lab and we learn how to wire up duplex receptacles, and we learn how to turn on the lights and stuff," said student Dolly Rcom.

The program not only gives students more of an incentive to graduate but it also prepares them for post-secondary education and the work force.

"What you are trying to do is develop an interest, a yearning and a desire to learn," said Lee. "And unfortunately, you can't do that by just cramming it in."

At least 60 students are already enrolled in the program at Page High School, and there's already a waiting list for dozens more.

"It just kind of worked out that I got into the class, and I've been having a lot of fun and I think it's going to help me with my career, too," said Benjamin White, an 11th grader enrolled in the first phase of the course.

White says the two-hour elective goes beyond wiring and tools; it also teaches the importance of teamwork.

"He makes us work with different people, some people who don't speak our language as good, people who are better at things and people who aren't as good at it. It helps us help each other out," said White.

Electrical technology courses are currently offered as electives at Page High School and Weaver Academy.