career connection
auto manufacturing
Trade Secrets
Do you want a solid career, but aren’t convinced
that the traditional four-year college degree is the
right fit for you? Do you have an interest in
mechanics and robotics? We know someone you
need to hear from!
Edgar Hernandez always knew that he didn’t really have any
interest in the traditional college path, and he didn't like the idea
of working in an office every day. He wanted to work with his
hands and fix things that interested him. One day he mentioned
his interest in being a mechanic to a civil engineering teacher,
and that planted the seed that eventually grew into his current
career.
“I am a multi-skilled maintenance technician at Toyota Motor
Manufacturing Alabama in Huntsville,” Edgar explains. “My
responsibilities include, but are not limited to, machine repairs,
fault recovery, and robotics. It also requires reading and under-
standing PLC's (programmable logic controllers) and ladder log-
ic (a programming language).” Edgar says his favorite part about
his job is “being able to work with my hands and fix anything
that may be broken or not operating properly.”
Edgar is proof that not everyone has to follow the same path to
find success. “The opportunity is out there you just have to look
for it and not settle for something you do not enjoy,” he says. “My
advice is to not believe people out there who claim you have to
wear a suit and tie every day to be successful in life, or that you
must have a 4-year degree to make money. It's a lie! Try to find
a skilled trade. The AMT program is a great example of how to
create a successful future.”
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Summer 2018
"My advice is to not believe people out
there who claim you have to wear a
suit and tie every day to be successful
in life, or that you must have a 4-year
degree to make money."
When asked more about the program that helped him find his
path, Edgar shares, “I graduated from Calhoun Community Col-
lege with an associate degree in Advanced Manufacturing Tech-
nology. I was enrolled in the AMT program where I worked 3
days per week and attended school the other two.” This program
is the secret to Edgar’s success. “The education part of the AMT
program is crucial because everything flows together. What you
learn in class is exactly what you do at work. It also gives you the
job training that helps a lot when looking a job for your career,”
he explains.
When asked about the biggest misconception about his line of
work, Edgar said, “Probably that being a maintenance technician
is a very dangerous job. While working around moving parts or
around live electricity may sound dangerous, you are extremely
safe, especially when you are provided with the proper training
and PPE (personal protective equipment) at work and at school.”
Edgar has big aspirations to further his career at Toyota. “I hope
to be a group leader at TMMAL, own my own house, and have a
happy family!” he says, and we have no doubt that he will!
www.potentialmagazine.com