ABC presents the annual Craft Instructor of the Year Award to an outstanding instructor with a passion for their craft, creativity, a positive attitude, and the ability to transfer knowledge through excellent communications skills and forward-thinking teaching to future construction professionals.
With nearly 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Asselin has taught basic through advanced electrical courses since 2001. He is the Training Manager for Elm Electric Inc., Westfield, Massachusetts, where he has worked since 1983. Asselin is also the Wiring Inspector for his hometown of Russell and previously served as Chair of the local vocational school general advisory board and the electrical shop advisory board.
“Holding dozens of electrical and teaching certifications, Paul utilizes his electrical expertise to better his community and the construction industry as well as the next generation of craft professionals,” said 2024 National Chair of the ABC Board of Directors Buddy Henley, President of Henley Construction Co. Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland. “A truly outstanding teacher whose excellence extends beyond the classroom, Paul’s nominator said that he wholeheartedly embraces any opportunity for professional development and is just as adept at teaching simple topics as more advanced ones, which is attributable to his excellent written and verbal communication skills. Congratulations, Paul, on this honor, and I appreciate how you have furthered the industry and career pathways for countless electricians.”
“Problem-solving is a daily occurrence,” Asselin said. “From the field to the classroom, it’s important that we, as craft professionals, know how to solve problems. As I tell my students, it is about training your brain to problem-solve, which we do our whole lives. Technology and safety awareness are vital components of our industry and are important tools in the way I teach, work, and volunteer in my community.”
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As Craft Instructor of the Year, Asselin received a $10,000 cash prize. Co-sponsors of Craft Instructor of the Year are the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the training, assessment, certification, and career development standard for the construction industry, and Tradesmen International, a craft professional staffing resource.
