Trades such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work have always formed the backbone of modern society. These careers are often overlooked, yet they keep the world running behind the scenes. Without trained tradespeople, our homes wouldn’t have heating in the winter, electricity to power our daily lives, or safe water to drink and bathe in. As society continues to grow in complexity and technology, the importance of skilled trades grows with it. Smart homes, green energy, and advanced building systems require individuals who are not only technically trained but also adaptable and innovative. That’s why I’ve chosen to enroll in a trade school program in Electro-Mechanical Technologies—to become part of the solution, to help build, maintain, and improve the systems that support everyday life. My personal goals within the trades are clear: I want to become a certified electrician and HVAC technician with a strong foundation in electro-mechanical systems. I have always had a curiosity for how machines work and a desire to solve hands-on problems. I see the trades as more than just a job—I see them as a career path that leads to independence, stability, and the chance to make a real impact in people’s lives. Eventually, I aim to start my own business and provide services to communities that may not always have easy access to skilled tradespeople. I want to train others in the future, especially young people who may feel that a traditional four-year college isn’t their only option for success. This scholarship would mean more than financial support—it would be a stepping stone toward achieving my dreams. It would ease the financial burden of schooling and allow me to focus fully on learning the skills I need. More importantly, it would affirm that my goals matter and that there are people who believe in investing in future tradespeople like myself. With this opportunity, I will be able to purchase the tools, equipment, and safety gear necessary for training, and potentially take extra certifications that make me more competitive in the workforce. The trades have already made a personal impact on my life. I’ve watched family members and mentors work in these industries with pride and purpose. Their work ethic, their ability to fix what others couldn’t, and the respect they’ve earned from the community inspired me to follow in their footsteps. I’ve also had the chance to volunteer in clean-up programs and food banks through JAG, where I saw firsthand how small acts of service can make a big difference—just like skilled trades do every day. I believe I embody the company’s core values of G.R.I.T—generosity, respect, innovation, and teamwork. I show generosity by giving my time to help others through volunteering and by supporting my peers in group projects. I show respect by listening, learning from those with more experience, and treating everyone equally, no matter their background or skill level. I strive for innovation by staying curious and eager to learn new techniques, especially with the rise of smart technology and green energy solutions in the trades. And I live by teamwork because I know no job in this field is ever done alone—it takes communication, cooperation, and a shared goal to complete a project safely and effectively. Choosing Electro-Mechanical Technologies is more than a career decision—it’s a calling. It’s my chance to make a difference in the world using both my hands and my mind. With support from this scholarship and a commitment to G.R.I.T, I know I’ll not only succeed in the trades—I’ll thrive.

Pursuing a future in the skilled trades, specifically in Electro-Mechanical Technologies, is more than just a career choice for me—it’s a calling. I’ve always had a strong interest in understanding how things work, especially when it comes to machines, electronics, and the systems that power our daily lives. The blend of electrical and mechanical knowledge in this field fascinates me. It provides the opportunity to work with my hands, solve real-world problems, and contribute to building and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps our world moving. I’m passionate about joining this field because it offers both stability and the satisfaction of doing work that makes a visible, lasting difference. The person who influenced me most to pursue this path is my uncle, who works as an HVAC technician. Growing up, I watched him work long hours fixing heating and cooling systems, installing units, and explaining how they function. But what stood out to me most was the pride he took in his work. He once told me, “Skilled trades aren’t just about tools and wires—they’re about helping people live better lives.” That stuck with me. He showed me that success doesn't only come from a four-year college degree. It can also come from learning a hands-on trade, staying committed, and constantly improving your skills. His work ethic, knowledge, and positive impact on others inspired me to follow a similar path. Through my career in Electro-Mechanical Technologies, I plan to make a positive impact on the world by focusing on sustainability and innovation. As our society becomes more dependent on energy and technology, it’s crucial to find more efficient and environmentally friendly ways to power our homes, businesses, and vehicles. I want to be part of that solution. Whether it’s installing energy-efficient systems, maintaining critical infrastructure, or developing new ways to use renewable energy, I want my work to contribute to a cleaner and more reliable future. Additionally, I hope to inspire the next generation to consider skilled trades as a valuable and rewarding career path. I believe that with the right mindset and training, anyone can succeed in this field. I want to show others—especially young people like me—that there’s honor, purpose, and real opportunity in working with your hands and using your mind. Enrolling in the Electro-Mechanical Technologies program is just the beginning, but I know it will open doors to a future where I can grow, give back, and help build a better world.

My name is Ace Chavez, and I'm thrilled to be enrolling in the Electro‑Mechanical Technologies program at The Refrigeration School, Inc. Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by how things work—whether it was dismantling household gadgets or watching complex machines operate. This curiosity, coupled with a hands‑on mindset, naturally drew me toward a career where mechanical systems intersect with electronics—making Electro‑Mechanical Technology the perfect fit. In this trade, I aim to become a skilled industrial maintenance technician—someone who can install, maintain, and repair the sophisticated machinery that powers manufacturing, automation, and infrastructure. According to Wor‑Wic Community College’s program details, graduates are prepared for such roles and may work as industrial machinery mechanics, electrical technicians, and more. To excel in this field, I’ll focus on developing a broad, versatile skill set that spans mechanical, electrical, electronic, and automation systems. The program emphasizes real‑world, hands‑on training in safety, machine maintenance, technical schematics, preventative maintenance, tool usage, and system monitoring. I'm committed to engaging fully in every lab, project, and simulation—mastering principles like fluid power, PLC programming, robotics, and circuit diagnostics, as seen in similar programs at other various colleges. I’ll take initiative in supplemental learning by studying industry standards, exploring automation trends, and practicing troubleshooting scenarios. Moreover, I plan to pursue apprenticeships or internships to bridge classroom learning with real‑world challenges and build a strong professional foundation. Once I’ve sharpened my trade skills, I envision contributing positively to my community in several ways: Apprenticeship Mentorship: I want to offer guidance to new students or community members exploring trade careers, helping them navigate the learning process and inspiring confidence. Workshops and Demos: Organizing or leading local hands‑on workshops—perhaps at community centers or schools—where people can learn the basics of robotics, PLCs, or basic machine maintenance. As seen in programs that merge training with community outreach, such experiences deepen technical understanding and benefit local development. Volunteering Technical Support: Offshore or in nearby nonprofits, I’d offer volunteer skills—helping install or maintain essential mechanical or electronic systems, whether it’s at community kitchens, shelters, or small‑scale manufacturing setups. Future Community Projects: Eventually, I'd like to participate in programs akin to Ranken Technical College’s community development model, where students use their technical skills for impactful projects—like constructing affordable housing or maintaining community facilities. To briefly conclude, enrolling in the Electro‑Mechanical Technologies program, I see the perfect convergence of my passion for hands‑on, problem‑solving work and a path toward meaningful contribution. I’m eager to learn the technical, mechanical, and electrical systems that drive modern automation, and equally excited to share those skills—making my community stronger and more resilient in the process.