Jonathan Morales is an electrician from Riverside, California. He transitioned from warehouse work to the electrical trade after being inspired by a coworker and attending the Electrical Technology program at SJVC. He works on job sites for companies like Krispy Kreme and Sephora.
Please tell me a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Riverside, California. I played soccer a lot as a kid, but I wasn’t a great student in high school. I worked at a warehouse and one of my coworkers suggested I look into becoming an electrician. I found his suggestion interesting.
When did you start considering a career as an electrician?
I started considering it around 2019, around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What other work experience did you have before becoming an electrician?
I worked at UPS in a warehouse and also had a job in a security program, where I investigated things like people stealing packages or wasting company time.
What motivated you to choose SJVC in particular?
A coworker encouraged me to look into SJVC. The people at SJVC were very helpful with the enrollment process and applying for financial aid.
What was your favorite part of the program?
My favorite part was the labs. I went from having zero experience in electrical work to being able to learn and troubleshoot things like why a light wasn’t turning on or why something wasn’t getting power.
What was the most challenging part of the program for you?
The most challenging part was the financial and personal issues I was dealing with. I got terminated from the program at one point due to my poor performance, but I re-enrolled in 2022 and was able to focus on my studies.
What got you through the challenging times?
The mentoring and extra help from my teacher Eric Laumatia–who we called “Coach”–on Fridays was incredibly valuable. He would work with me and my classmates to make sure we understood the assignments and troubleshoot any issues we were having.
What are you currently doing for work?
I’m working on three different job sites, doing things like splicing, underground work, and pipework for companies like Krispy Kreme and Sephora.
What do you enjoy most about your current work?
I really enjoy being able to work independently and see the progress I’m making. I develop new ways to make my work cleaner and more efficient.
What advice would you give someone interested in entering your field or the Carrington program?
My advice would be to take advantage of the education and learning opportunities. Don’t just pay for it; dedicate yourself to the work and practice at home. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it.
