Omar Gutierrez graduated from the Electrical Technology program at SJVC in September of 2025; within days of completing his program, he secured a job in his field.
Omar’s teachers, classmates, and career services advisor know him as a highly-skilled student who took his training seriously; he was professional, reliable, and always willing to help others.
Doug Palmbach, Omar’s Electrical Technology instructor at SJVC, gives examples of how Omar showed up and stood out. “Omar was always here—and I don’t mean just to lab,” Doug says. “When we split to a hybrid schedule, he still came in on his ‘off’ days. And because he was there, many of his classmates came in, too. Omar was my go-to guy when I needed someone to help; I knew I could rely on him for things like new starts or events. He was a hardworking student, friendly, and courteous to others.”
At events, Omar welcomed new students, assisted them with their logins, and led tours. During a Bakersfield job fair, Omar wore a 40 Cal ark Flash suit(a personal protection suit for electrical workplace safety) for guests and potential new students to see. “That suit gets very hot,” Doug says, “…but he didn’t hesitate to wear it.”
Omar’s character was a great example for his classmates. “I believe Omar’s attitude and genuine interest in learning is what made him an excellent student,” Doug says. “I am grateful to have had him in my class.”
Once he completed the Electrical Technology program, Omar worked with his Career Services Advisor, Ilianna Ulibarri, to help match him with a job and prepare him for the interview process.
“Omar was an exceptional candidate, and extremely talented in the electrical aspect; he was my top candidate due to his work experience and the reviews from his Electrical Technology Instructor,” Ilianna says. “One of his greatest strengths was his ability to immediately apply the feedback he was given during his mock interview.”
Because of this, the hiring process—skills assessment, interview, and then job offer—went smoothly and quickly.
Omar Gutierrez shares more here about his background, his experience in the Electrical Technology program at SJVC, and his new career.
What did you do before enrolling in the Electrical Technology program at SJVC?
Before attending SJVC, I served as Engineman second class in the United States Navy, working on diesel engines.
What inspired you to choose this career path?
I ended up choosing the electrical path because I had friends who were electricians in the military, and they pushed me to venture into a new trade.
Why did you choose to study with SJVC?
I chose SJVC because I heard they provide excellent hands-on experience paired with instructors who are very knowledgeable in the field, so it was more enticing.
What did you like most about the program?
I really enjoyed the projects they would have us do in class—it really solidified what we had learned and ensured we understood the material.
Where do you work now, and what is your job like?
I work at Esys as a field service technician. Right now, I work for the RMR department, conducting repairs on the supporting equipment and conducting testing to ensure it’s operating correctly before sending it back out into the field.
How did you find your job? What was the hiring process like?
My career services advisor, Ilianna, helped me get an interview with the company. The process was simple for the most part. I did have to take two exams: one on electrical, and the other on thermodynamics. I interviewed with a human resources representative, the general manager, and one of their engineers.
What do you like best about your job?
I really like the hands-on experience they provide. It allows me to learn as I work on the equipment; I also get valuable input and advice from the people I work with.
Do you have any advice to share with someone who is just getting started in the program?
I would recommend seeking help from instructors—and your fellow peers—if you don’t understand the material. And practice your hands-on skills regularly.