S&C JATC Instructors Share Varied Experiences With Their Students
Each of the instructors who teach in the NorCal Sound and Communication JATC program brings decades of skill to the classroom. The members of our experienced and dedicated staff include Michael Sheriff, Chris Cowan, Thomas Frenzel, Phil Cheng and Jenn Hionis.
Mike Sheriff, Special Projects Supervisor
Bio: Mike started his career in the Sound and Communication industry in June 1989. A recent graduate of Chabot College, Mike worked for a NECA contractor for over 18 years. Throughout his career, Mike has installed a variety of systems. He joined the NorCal JATC in February 2008 as the regional curriculum supervisor.
Duties: Curriculum development, Class scheduling, Upgrade Class Instructor, Back-up Instructor
Installer/Technician Subjects Taught: VDV exam prep, Fire/Life Safety exam prep, CPR First Aid, Fire Alarm Systems, DC Theory
Credentials:
California State Voice-Data-Video Technician Certification (VDVT)
California State Fire/Life Safety State Certification (FLST)
Professional Program for Career Technical Education (UCB Extension)
Canvas Certification (CMS)
BICSI Technician (TECH)
Etudes Certification (CMS)
Fire Protection Technology & Design
Mass Notification Systems
Foremanship Concepts for Telecommunication Projects (NJATC)
Electronics Technology (AA Degree)
Everyone here is dedicated to providing the best education for Apprentices and Installer/Technicians. Every student comes first. I am proud to be a part of this organization.
Chris Cowan, Special Projects Coordinator
Bio: Chris brings a wide variety of field experience to the program as well as tenure as a former electrician in the military. From 1995 to 1999, Chris served in the Navy as an electrician mate, cargo elevator technician, damage control/electrical isolation electrician, and electrical tool safety officer. In 2004, Chris joined IBEW Local 595, where he was able to work on many communication systems. He graduated from the Apprenticeship program in 2007. With his ability to adapt, sense of humor, and his dedication to the students, Chris is committed to the constant improvement of the training provided by the JATC.
Duties: Online curriculum development, Upgrade class instructor, Back up instructor
Installer/Technician Subjects Taught: BICSI, VDV exam prep, CPR First Aid, OSHA 10/30, Fire Alarm Systems, Security Systems
Credentials:
California State Voice-Data-Video Technician Certification (VDVT)
California State Fire/Life Safety State Certification (FLST)
BICSI Certified Technician (TECH)
BICSI Certified Trainer (CT)
FOA Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT)
FOA Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT)
OSHA Certified Trainer
American Red Cross Certified First Aid/CPR/AED Trainer
CPWR Confined Space Certified Trainer
NJATC National Training Institute Graduate
Axis Certified Professional
Perfection is something that you should always strive to achieve. It’s a goal that will last throughout your career and never be accomplished.
Thomas Frenzel, Senior Instructor
Bio: Thomas got his start in the electrical field while still in high school working for a residential/commercial electrical shop. He joined IBEW Local 595 in 2002, and completed the Apprenticeship program in 2005. Thomas has worked for a NECA/IBEW contractor as a senior technician installing and servicing a wide variety of communication programs. Thomas comes to NorCal with experience and a lot of drive to share his knowledge with our members.
Duties: Manage Installer/Technician Upgrade Classes (curriculum development, scheduling, instruction), Mentor and Assist Instructors, Back-up Instructor, Apprentice Tutoring
Installer/Technician Subjects Taught: Fire Alarm, AC DC Theory, Nurse Call, VDV exam prep
Credentials:
California State Voice-Data-Video Technician Certification (VDVT)
California State Fire/Life Safety State Certification (FLST)
NICET Level 2 - Fire Alarm Systems
NJATC National Training Institute Graduate
EST 3 - Programming, Hardware, Install
BICSI Technician (TECH)
Rauland Responder 5 – Programming and Installation
Canvas Certification (CMS)
EPS1-Electrical Project Supervision
American Red Cross Certified First Aid/CPR/AED Trainer
Fire Lite alarms-ECC-50/100
2016 NFPA 72, NFPA code online training series
You make your own luck. The harder you work, the luckier you get.
Phillip Cheng, Instructor
Bio: Phillip arrived in the Sound & Communication field in the year of 2013, where he would go on to graduate in 2016. He honed his craft working in the data field his entire career. Working out of Local 332, his specialization is in fiber optics and prior to working with the JATC, he has had experience teaching and creating educational programs for the Santa Clara County Parks & California State Parks.
Apprentice Subjects Taught: Structured Cabling, Voice & Data, Fiber Optics, Codes & Practices, Blueprint Reading, DC Theory
Installer/Technician Subjects Taught: Structured Cabling, Code Essentials, Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT)
Credentials:
California State Voice-Data-Video Technician Certification (VDVT)
Canvas Certification (CMS)
FOA Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT)
BICSI Technician (TECH)
Nobody starts off their career being the best. Failure can either motivate you or hold you back. Whatever you choose will decide your future.
Jenn Hionis, Instructor
Bio: Jenn began her journey into the Sound and Communication Industry in 2011. She completed her Apprenticeship in 2013 and found her permanent home inspecting and servicing fire alarm systems. With her friendly attitude and technical knowledge, she was a good fit to interact with the customers face-to-face while maintaining their fire alarm systems. During her time working in the field, she had the opportunity to train Apprentices as part of their on-the-job training. Feeling like she could add a lot of value to the trained workforce she made the decision to join the team at NorCal S&C JATC. Her goal is to help uphold the excellent standards that separate NorCal S&C Apprentices way above the rest. She sees the best in everyone and wants to help them to succeed in their careers.
Apprentice Subjects Taught: AC Theory, Master Clock, Computer Skills, Nurse Call, Fire Alarm, Paging, Mass Notification and Voice Evac.
Installer/Technician Subjects Taught: Fire Alarm, AC/DC Theory, Nurse Call, Code Essentials
Credentials:
NorCal S&C JATC Apprenticeship Graduate
California State Fire/Life Safety Technician Certification (FLST)
NICET Level I - Inspection and Testing of Fire Life Safety Systems
Notifier ONYX University - System Programming
CAL OSHA 10 Certified
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” Lao Tzu