What felt like a setback early in Alex Birtalan’s career ended up wiring him for growth within the electrical industry.
He started as an electrician apprentice with “Joe” Dickey Electric in 2019. Three months in, he found out he was color blind, which then made it unsafe for him to be in the field.
After uncertainty about the next step, he got a call from company president, Eric Carlson, who gave him an opportunity to change roles and become a junior estimator. That switch also inspired him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology at YSU.
“It was a bit of a curveball at first, but in the electrical industry, you’ve got to be flexible and ready to adapt,” Birtalan said.
Aside from juggling schoolwork and gaining real-world experience, Birtalan is also the three-time recipient of the LMCC scholarship through NECA-IBEW Electricians and the YSU Foundation.
Now, with his senior project complete, graduation is on the horizon.
Showcasing real-world readiness
Birtalan teamed up with classmates Nick Waldon and Brad Zouck to design and build a conveyor detection system for their senior capstone group project. It was a fully functional, programmable unit with three modes of operation, a touchscreen interface, speed and runtime control, plus smart safety features.
“We started from absolute ground zero. We covered everything at some point in the coursework, but we never actually applied it quite like this,” Birtalan said.
It really turned heads during YSU’s STEM Showcase on April 19. The event gave students across multiple engineering and science disciplines the chance to present their work publicly.
“It’s good real-world experience. They get to explain their designs to clients or team members,” said Jason Zapka, associate professor and program coordinator, YSU electrical engineering technology. “Our program here is ABET accredited, which ensures they are exposed to the kind of hands-on, project-based learning that employers are looking for.”
An engineering trio in tune
The team could be compared to a band. Every member brought their own “instrument” to the engineering ensemble.
Birtalan was the manager, handling CAD drawings and layout documentation for the setup, and he helped map out how all the components would connect.
Coincidentally, Zouck started out as a music major, but then changed to engineering after Covid hit.
He brought creativity and precision to the project by designing and programming the human-machine interface (HMI) screens. Zouck was referred to as the keyboardist.
“There’s a real crossover between music and programming,” Zouck said. “In both cases, you’re creating something that flows. It has to make sense to the user and feel intuitive.”
Waldon was the foundational beat, or the project’s percussion, handling the wiring, safety systems and integrating all the electrical components. He was responsible for ensuring the conveyor operated smoothly and safely.
“I wanted to make sure we had proper overcurrent protection, emergency stops and all the wiring exactly where it needed to go,” he said. “It’s not just about function – it’s about doing it the right way.”
Wired for success: One powerful finish
The course was 13 weeks, and it took the team every bit of that time to complete the project. Sometimes, it meant coming in early or staying late to troubleshoot problems.
Their hard work is paying off inside and outside the classroom. The group received an A, and most importantly, all three are set up with careers ahead of graduation.
Zouck is headed to an engineering firm, Waldon will apply his skills in electrical systems integration, wiring and repair, and Birtalan plans to continue growing in his role at Dickey Electric.
It’s another step forward for Birtalan on a path that’s taken unexpected turns. However, he continues to dive deeper into the electrical industry he set out to join.
“There’s more than one way to succeed in this trade,” he said. “Even when things don’t go as planned, you can still find your place.”
NECA-IBEW Electricians makes up a highly trained union workforce in the area. We’re an association of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.