After six years in the military and a few start-and-stop jobs, Robert wanted to do something – have a legitimate career – that would give his family a nice home, comfortable lifestyle and more time together. He didn’t have to look far to see how that could happen. He noticed the nice homes, steady hours and contentment many family members in various branches of construction enjoyed. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) was the direction he chose. Could he find success in the industry his extended family dominated?
What motivated you to commit to the HVAC-R industry?
My family worked in a lot of the trades and construction, and I saw where they lived and that their families were being well taken care of. I wanted a piece of that. Not envy, inspiration. They gave me a clear picture and a roadmap of what I could strive for in that family tradition, and I wanted that for my wife, Ella, and our young son. I thought I had it in me to be good at it, so I took a leap of faith.
How did you get to SJVC’s HVAC-R’s program?
SJVC’s Temecula campus popped up online, and I ended up enrolling in their evening program. But I was working full-time and struggling with some military trauma, so I dropped out after three months. But there were no hard feelings, and I left in good standing.
After a year or so everything calmed down, and I wanted to go back to school and still felt welcome at SJVC. I enrolled on their Ontario campus without any problem.
What was the re-enrollment process like?
It felt like I hadn’t left. They made the process easy. But start dates for the HVAC-R program didn’t align, so I ended up enrolling in the Electrical Technology (ET) program. I knew I wanted to have a good foundation and expand my skill set because my dream is to one day build my own home. I did the two programs back-to-back, and it didn’t feel like a huge effort, but more like a meant-to-be.
What was your greatest struggle?
What was your greatest struggle?Trying to find my balance as a student, husband and father. I was used to wearing just one hat, but I got better at putting on different hats. My wife, Ella, works as a nurse in ICU and is good at multitasking. She is calm and cool under pressure and helped me find mine.
Any surprises in the HVAC-R program?
Just the type of skills I thought I had…but didn’t have. Critical thinking, problem-solving skills. In the military we’re told what to do a lot. I see now that hindered me from practicing those skills. This program has done an excellent job of helping me strengthen those skills.
What was one of your favorite moments of using your newly acquired skills?
Two favorite moments: I changed out electrical outlets in a house and put into practice what I’d just learned in class. The biggest thing was when I was able to replace/install my wife’s kitchen light fixture to a larger, more efficient, one. I did the wiring and took care of a lot of potential hazards.
I’ve been doing lots of projects, including faulty wiring, for friends and family. I love doing that for people. It was pretty fun and very satisfying to put into practice something I’d just learned in class. I’m making a lot of trips to Home Depot.
Did you have the instructor support you needed for the long-haul commitment?
SJVC hired a lot of good people. Mr. Johnson was my first teacher when I went back to SJVC. He set a path forward on a positive note and told me I was one of his best students and that I would go very far. He saw something in me and planted a seed that gave me confidence in myself. I’d never had an instructor like that.
Did you have strong family support?
Did you have strong family support?My wife made it pretty seamless. She took time off work to help accommodate my needs. We were aligned to build something, and she gave me so much confidence in myself, telling me, “You don’t have to be an A student, just make sure to get the material.”
I would explain to her what I’d learned in school that day, and if she understood, I knew I’d gotten it.
What was the best thing about these programs (ET and HVAC-R)?
There were different experiences with each program. But because of these programs and the certifications I earned, I was able to get a job just after completing the Electrical Technology program and while I was still in the HVAC-R program (5 months before completion).
What inspired you to push through two career-focused programs?
Above all, I don’t want my family to struggle. It’s an honor to get these skills and know I am well-rounded and will always get work. Everything I’m going to school for is working out that way.
Who do you want to emulate that set you on this path?
I want to carve my own path. I love to pick up pieces, traits of people I look up to. I take pride in wanting to be the best person I could be: good student, good husband, good father and provider. I’m carving my own way – and sometimes, it’s overwhelming. But going through this feels true…and manageable.
You have to be able to identify and unlearn things – bad habits, in order to create space for new, positive things.
Have some advice for someone interested in getting into your field of study/work?
Get unstuck. It’s so easy to let your excuses become your internal narrative. Getting unstuck is a leap of faith. You have to trust your own answer. With SJVC it was easy to make that that step, secure my future, take care of my family.
What is your next rung on the education ladder?
I’ve secured a spot and signed my agreement with IBEW Local 477 and started my Electrical Apprenticeship – an opportunity I’m surely thankful for and excited to grow in. It’s even greater security in the direction I’m going. Above all, I don’t want my family to struggle and it’s an honor to get these skills and know I will always be able to get work.
Do you have a clear vision of your career future?
I’d love to work for the county, get my hands on projects with what I’ve learned and practiced. Above all, I would love to work for a college or university and find the best ways to help students understand the material in this industry – be a director in the trades.