Glenn Mathis isn’t afraid to be the first to do something or make a sharp turn in a new direction to “keep a smile on my face and cash in my pocket,” as he frames it. So, it should have been no surprise to friends and family that at 37 years old he would go ‘back to school’. It’s not just a general education experience, but a new career focus that would impact the rest of his and his family’s lives. SJVC’s Electrical Technology program was just the career bump and adventure he was more than ready to take.
What was your primary motivation to ‘go back to school’ and in this field?
I wanted to step outside my realm, do something challenging — with good pay. I wanted to contribute something more to help people and businesses. The electrical field is so broad; it goes way beyond keeping the lights on. There’s commercial, industrial, residential electrical technicians – you can even be an electrician who works on cars. It’s a good time to be an electrician.
Why SJVC’s Electrical Technology program?
I got good feedback about the school and staff, so I met with a recruiter on the Hesperia campus. I didn’t know what all to expect, but before I left, I knew what I was signing up for.
How did your own family react to your going back to school commitment?
My family was even more excited than I was. It started with my mom – who was my biggest fan. Sometimes I stayed with her because she lived right by the school.
What was your first impression as a new student in the Electrical Technology program?
At first, it was intimidating, a lot of information. But the more I learned about machines, it became more exciting than intimidating. Every day I’d wake up, walk inside the school, ready to learn more. The staff made the school experience just amazing. Everyone was caring, responsible and respectful. It felt like one big family.
Any surprises about your program or classroom experiences?
I didn’t know what to expect but I was learning so many things and so many different techniques to do the same job. I picked up a lot of inside knowledge from the instructors that I can use in the field. And I was passing course after course. I was always the first guy to hop on it, understand it or get it done first.
This program has been a total blessing and one great ride.
What was your greatest struggle or difficulty in the classroom or program?
I would have to say PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), wiring that lets you control a machine by computer. It’s a tough class, but more fun than difficult. It was hard at times: physically, emotionally, mentally. It took a lot of dedication, but I accomplished my goals.
Fridays we could go in (no class) voluntarily to work on projects. It was kicked back, felt like family.
Did you get the instructor support you needed?
Those two instructors were amazing. If you put in the effort, they made sure you would get to the right answer. Both Mr. Martin and Mr. Valencia gave their phone numbers to students for any questions or problems they might need to talk about.
At the end of the program, they told me how they enjoyed my energy in the class and appreciated how I helped other students. I have a big heart for volunteerism and mentoring. We put our heads together and figure it out. It’s the same with my family; I have a big heart. If someone has a need…I’m coming to help.
What person in your life do you hope to emulate?
My grandfather, Willard Munford, who recently passed, lived a great life and taught us a lot about what it is to be a man and provide for your family. He made sacrifices, never sat down. I just want to be on his level.
What was your greatest inspiration to complete your Electrical Technology program?
I just wanted to prove to myself that I can conquer school and become an electrician. It is a career that has high job security, pays good and gives my life more meaning. I was so determined – there would be no excuses. I completed my program with a 3.8 GPA.
This wasn’t just a trade. I learned a lot more about myself, shaping me into a better person and qualified electrician.
Where did you land your first job as an electrician?
I got a job three days before graduation from my Electrical Tech program as a machine operator for Sinotec, where I do some soldering, work with silicone and am learning framing machines to manufacture solar panels for distribution all over the world. I’ve bounced around in different sections, as part of a troubleshooting team. I might be soldering one week then doing frames, glass panels or attaching cables the next week. Depends on where the boss needs me. It’s a lot of fun and I really like it.
Electrical technology goes beyond keeping the lights on in a house or business. It’s a broad field and a good time to be an electrician. This is just my foot in the door, and my journey is not over.
Where do you see yourself in five-ten years?
I can either naturally evolve – there is room to move up in this company, or maybe I will get into the electrical field, ending up in residential or commercial service as an electrician. In this career field, there is always room to move up.
Is there a Big Dream Vision?
I see myself growing with this company I’m currently in, moving up in rank. The Big Dream Job would be to become a journeyman (licensed) and become my own boss. It would take 4-5 years of schooling, experience and license for that to become a reality.
Or maybe become a teacher. I can definitely see that because I get great pleasure helping others.
Right now, I work 12-hour shifts, four days a week and I’m loving it. My family is proud of me. It’s more than I’ve ever had. I’m going to enjoy it.