Andrew Peklinsky graduated from 成人每日大赛/Technical School in March 2016. He completed the Computer Drafting and Design (CAD) program, graduating with his associate鈥檚 in specialized technology. As is for most people, Andrew鈥檚 career trajectory did not exactly turn out as planned. 鈥淒ue to some health injuries, the best thing to do was to go back to school for CAD for an office-type job. My dad鈥檚 a contractor, so it鈥檚 what I did in the summertime, building houses. I grew up in that field.鈥�
Prior to 成人每日大赛 Commercial, Andrew completed his bachelor鈥檚 degree in advertising and journalism from West Virginia University in 2005. Right out of school he began working for a few smaller companies, such as , in sales. For a while, he also worked in manufacturing for a plastic company. It was at this point he suffered from health injuries and had to re-evaluate his plans for the future. Keeping in mind his family background, that he was an older student, and that he wanted a shorter program, he began searching for schools with Auto CAD programs. 成人每日大赛 Commercial came up in his search. He had driven past the school multiple times, it was close to home and 鈥渢hey weren鈥檛 the community college-type school that everyone else I went to high school with went to.鈥� He found his match.
His experience at 成人每日大赛 Commercial was exactly as he hoped. He started classes in October 2014 and just had his first child, Gracie, in February 2014. So not only did he need a great program, he needed to be able to successfully juggle everything all at once. Also, Andrew explained that 鈥淢y experience was good. It was nice overall. They had activities for people who never went to a four-year school to experience that socialization,鈥� and, most importantly, 鈥淚 wanted to have my picking of the jobs I wanted to do.鈥� The curriculum definitely prepared him to be marketable in the field. 鈥淎uto CAD classes were my favorite. They were what I was going to school for and something I enjoyed.鈥� Interestingly enough, another one of his favorite classes was not part of his major. There was a life skills course, just one hour a week. The Washington County Commissioner actually came in and taught students life skills in general, how to save money, having emergency funds, and the like.
Once Andrew graduated, he obtained a position at as a virtual construction design specialist, where he still works today. Lighthouse Electric came to 成人每日大赛 Commercial to tell students about the company and what they do. 鈥淚 turned around and told them I was interested and it was game over. They said that I was the only person they鈥檝e ever seen stand up and say I鈥檓 interested.鈥� Making a strong professional impression is definitely something 成人每日大赛 Commercial teaches to their students. 鈥淭he class that actually taught you the professional development of it 鈥� how to shake hands properly, ask the right questions, interviewing 鈥� was one of the best classes I鈥檝e ever had here. They got you ready to go out to the job. They wanted to make sure you got that job鈥�.
In regards to his current responsibilities at Lighthouse Electric, Andrew explained, 鈥淢y main job is to draft treatment models of electrical equipment parts for commercial buildings. Everything that has anything to do with electrical application. We draw every little piece of it and we put it into a 3D model. We coordinate with the other trades and make sure it all fits together in the building and that I鈥檓 not running a pipe through someone else鈥檚 pipe.鈥� Much of his interaction is with the electricians in the field, being able to answer contract and general construction questions regarding locations or issues. 鈥淚f we have an issue, they will call me and I can look into the 3D model and see if I can come up with a solution without actually being in the field, being their back support鈥�.
According to Andrew, the best thing about his new career is the people he works with. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e the absolute best. They mesh with my lifestyle, love to do everything I like. Going to work, for the first time, is not going to work. Some days are tough, but you step away from that and talk about fishing, hunting or dirt bike riding. But, when it comes down to crunch time, everyone is there to help you. That鈥檚 the best thing.鈥� Unfortunately his experiences prior to 成人每日大赛 Commercial were not as positive. 鈥淏efore I was working shift work. I hated my job. I came home and wanted to go straight to bed. Some days I actually called off work because I just didn鈥檛 want to go.鈥� Thankfully, things have turned around. Andrew and his wife welcomed another baby, Bentley, who is now seven months old. Andrew says Gracie, who is now three years old, is a wonderful big sister, always ready to give Bentley his blanket or pacifier if he starts crying. 鈥淣ow I get home from work, play with the kids, take the dogs on a walk. It鈥檚 enjoyable now. I鈥檓 not miserable anymore.鈥�
Looking to the future, Andrew hopes to 鈥渕ove up the ladder. Eventually take on a managerial role or have a little more responsibility.鈥� In regards to his family, he wants to 鈥渒eep providing a great home and everything for my kids.鈥� He enjoyed his time at 成人每日大赛 Commercial so much so that he has been telling both his brother and wife to go there, noting that 成人每日大赛 offers so many different programs. Also, he likes how the classes concentrate on one particular program, so students do not have to take a great deal of general education classes. 鈥淭hey are all relevant to the field. There鈥檚 always something for everyone.鈥� His final words of wisdom are a simple recipe for success, 鈥淕o to class. Do your homework.鈥�
