Thrifty_Tech_Nerd

I've always enjoyed repairing, designing, and making. The readily available CAD software and 3D printing has opened innovative doorways for so many people. When I (rarely) have free time, I can usually be found designing or making something new.

Here's a little about my background. I have nearly 30 years of experience in industrial automation, industrial maintenance, robotics, and controls engineering working with various PLC systems. I've been the manager over several industrial maintenance departments in automated manufacturing facilities for many of those years. Many have been in the automotive manufacturing industry. Since then, I've left the corporate world and decided to teach as I near retirement age. There is a tremendous shortage of skilled trades and a need to pass these skills on to the next generation. Wages are skyrocketing as demand increases. Many of these careers quickly lead to 6 figure salaries without requiring a 4-year degree or going into debt with college loans.

I've found teaching industrial automation technology to be a very rewarding career thus far (in a non-monetary way). However, it's much more demanding and challenging than I would have ever imagined. When I was in the corporate world I always thought that teachers had it easy. I couldn't have been more wrong. I often find myself putting in longer hours than I did in the corporate world for a lot less money. However, at the end of the day, seeing my students grow and evolve and hearing back from past graduates has been the most rewarding thing that money can't buy. I love teaching.