Two recent adult education graduates, Jacob McCloud, 22, and Shelby Strassburger, 24, now have a clearer picture of their career futures. McCloud finished the Electrical Power Line Mechanic program, and Strassburger completed the Welding Technician/AWS Certified program. They share more about their experiences.
Q: How did your educational journey bring you to WCCC?
McCloud: I thought I would earn a business degree in college and work in management. I was interested in a coffee shop and took training as a corporate trainer, but it felt like a dead end. I thought a college business degree seemed like a good start but began talking to my cousin, who took the Warren County Career Center Electrical Power Line Mechanic program and now works for Dayton Power & Light.
Strassburger: I tried several career directions before discovering welding. I took college courses my senior year (of high school) at Sinclair and Miami in psychology, communications, English and computer application.
I decided to enroll in the WCCC phlebotomy course but a career in healthcare was not for me. I earned my insurance license but didn’t find that interesting either. I took a job at WCCC in the cafeteria. One day, I checked out the welding lab and found a passion for creating with metal.
Q: What attracted you to your program?
McCloud: I thought it was a good career to invest in. A good job with good pay, and I like being able to help others get their electric back on. It's a stable career, and I like being outdoors, seeing different people and places and doing something new every day.
Strassburger: It looked interesting. I had never tried it before. I liked it, and I ran with it. Within two weeks, I had the information I needed on funding my education. I have such great mentors here, and I absolutely love welding. I accepted a job with Ferco Tech in Franklin that started in May.
Q: What’s next with Ferco Tech?
Strassburger: My job at Ferco Tech will be entry level at first, but my new supervisors said I can practice my welding skills on breaks and after work so I can move up in the company. Some day I hope to have my own shop where I can make and sell items I weld. I've already made a toy-sized tractor and jeep.
Q: What have you learned through the WCCC program?
Strassburger: I wouldn't know half of what I know without (instructors David Miracle and James Eyler and program coordinator Dave Guinn). I have grown not only as a welder, but also as a person. I had no self-confidence when I started, but now I can say, "I can do that. I am good at that."
McCloud: The class started with climbing and safety, then went into the construction of poles, use of the bucket truck, tools, and materials. I learned it is really important to know what materials and tools you are working with and how to use them. Personally, I would never have imagined this for a career, but I found a new love for it, and it became something I needed and wanted to be doing, working outside and with my hands.
Q: Is climbing a 50-foot or 100-foot pole scary?
McCloud: I don't think about fear when I am climbing poles. I go up, do my work, and come back down. I like mechanical work and hands-on learning. I got good grades in high school, but I hated sitting in class. I learn better by doing.
Q: What advice would you share with others about education after high school?
McCloud: Take tours, talk to people about different careers. I had no clue after high school what to do. I thought maybe go to college, get a degree and then decide. I used to knock the trades; never thought about it for me. Now that I am in it, I have a totally different perspective. I will be making a lot more money and have less debt. Don't let a piece of paper define you; do what you love.
Contact this contributing writer at lisa.knodel@gmail.com.
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