Grace Gonzales could not imagine a career that did not involve a balance of physical and mental acuity. She wanted something that challenged her mind even as she exercised her hands-on skills. Equal left/right brain involvement. She found it all in a career in ‘the trades, as an Electrical Technology student, graduate, employee, and, eventually, instructor. She is influencing an industry surging with young women and men, exercising their mechanical interests, career security and financial goals.
What got you hooked on a male-dominate trade?
I was one of four sisters and adopted the ‘tomboy’ image. My Dad, Joel, was an electrician in the Navy and was always showing me how things worked and how to do things at home. We also worked on cars together; and I got my mechanical skills from him. I had full confidence in my ability to succeed in this industry.
When did you lock on to this career direction.
My third year at university I realized I wanted something more hands-on that I could feel more connected to. I am passionate about the intricacies. That’s when I enrolled in SJVC’s as few as 10-month Electrical Technology program. It was 2021, and I started and finished the program in the same year.
Was the Electrical Technology program and career goal a good fit for you?
I am passionate about the intricacies of electricity and, through this industry, am able to utilize my attention to detail for a greater purpose. Getting pieces together and creating something that functions gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment. That’s what really got me hooked on this trade.
What was your ET classroom experience like?
From the first week in class, I felt this was where I was supposed to be. I knew I would be good at this and loved my entire experience as a student here. Because we were such a small class (6 students) we learned to work as a group and independently. Individually, it was advantageous for each of us to be responsible for every piece of the learning process, instead of splitting the work and sharing the process. But as a group we learned to work together as a team. And it was valuable to learn how to work well with others.
Did you know this was the kind of work you wanted in an extended career?
After only a couple of months as a student, I landed a position in the field. Networking is key to getting opportunities and someone I’d worked with was connected to someone who helped position construction installers.
I was going to school and working full time. It was only possible with a lot of discipline and time management. Sleep kind of fell off as a priority.
Was this the right career field for you?
Out in the field, I witnessed a lot of poor performance habits and a general lack of pride from some in the industry. It wasn’t until I considered becoming a teacher in this field that I realized a way to fix this on a larger scale was to inspire and educate others.
When did that opportunity come to you?
I’d kept in touch with a staff member at the college, and he’d told me there might be an instructor position opening up. I sent my resume and was invited to interview – which was an interview before a panel, as well as a teach demonstration. I felt from the moment it started that it went extremely well. I received a job offer within a week.
What was your first experience as an instructor in front of SJVC’s Electrical Technology program class?
I was entirely nerve-wracked. To go from being from a class of six to teaching a class of 20-students relying on me to give them all they need toward their future career – it felt like a lot at first.
But I knew by the end of the first week this was right for me. Out in the industry I’d mentored new technicians and if I could train those guys, I could train a class.
What excites you about being a teacher in this industry?
I get to watch my students have their ‘lightbulb’ moments. I watch them go through challenges and frustrations, then come to that moment when it clicks. It all makes sense. And watching them problem-solve, gain confidence and think like tradesmen makes me feel like I’m doing a good thing.
The college builds professionalism into the curriculum. It’s a focus we are given the time to instill into students.
What does your typical class look like?
Students range from fresh out of high school to 65-year-olds retiring from the military or other careers. I have a 17-year-old who had to have parental consent to enroll in our Electrical Technology program. Younger students have study habits fresh on their brains while older guys are more practical and better disciplined about time management. Their math and school skills may be a little rusty, but they get the job done.
A large demographic of students is connected to someone who has gone through our program. But it’s gotten younger – early to mid-twenties – as we have outreach into high schools and those recent graduates have friends still looking for career direction.
Describe your teaching style.
I tend to be fairly strict on my students with the aim to instill discipline and self-respect. I do my best to facilitate an environment that stimulates growth and confidence in their abilities.
We build professionalism into the program. And I get to watch their transition into someone with a hunger to get into the field. Many will vocalize at the end of the program how the program and my teaching have affected their take on life, in general.
What is a highlight you have heard/seen in a student’s life?
It’s a message/scenario I’ve heard/seen several times. A student who was never successful in school, hated teachers or they hated him, so never applied himself. But after 10-week math course here, felt confident in abilities to learn and apply himself. I am happy to be part of that moment.
What inspires you to give so much to your students?
The biggest thing is to remember the scale of what I do. Students enroll in this program with the intention of creating a better life for them selves and their families. Their experience in my classroom will either reinforce that motivation or it could uninspired them. I build rapport which is essential to planting those seeds for intrinsic motivation.
What is one of your favorite student success stories?
I had a student who is one of the college’s ideal success stories. He spent 6-years in prison before being discharged and enrolling in our Electrical Technology program while living in a half-way house. I think people with a past are much more motivated to do something better. He was one of the best students in my class.
Do you have a favorite moment as an instructor?
A student from my very first class got a job in the industrial field shortly after he graduated. Our Advisory Board was meeting with a group of employers and one of them had hired one of our graduates and was saying a lot of good things about him. His vision was for this graduate – now employee – to take over their operation management over the next two years. That student/graduate, Andre, had been one of my best students, put a lot of effort into learning and understanding electrical concepts. It was good to see him becoming a journeyman and having great success in this industry.
I’d never planned on teaching. But to educate and inspire, I’ve been able to work on a much larger scale.
What does the future hold for you?
As SJVC grows, I’d like to be there to grow with it. I will pursue my Master’s degree and eventually transition to a part-time role, while contributing to active project success with a construction firm.
As I tell beginning students, “You will get out of this what you put into it.”
