Name: Cole Quinn
Job Title: Maintenance Apprentice
Workplace: Benteler Automotive
Education: Mechatronics
Favorite Subject(s) in School: Science
First Real Job: Benteler Automotive – Youth Apprentice
Dream Job: Working on something that helps same the Earth
Interests: Hunting and snowboarding
ABOUT
Cole Quinn got into mechatronics first because of his late father, who was a teacher at Spartanburg Community College and also worked in the industry years before. He saw early-on that manufacturing jobs would be growing and skilled workforce would be in high demand. Cole was pushed to Daniel Morgan Technology Center to study mechatronics. He had not been a traditional student who was good at all the core courses, but once he entered Daniel Morgan, everything changed. He was all of the sudden excelling in classes, relating to materials and understanding everything better and faster.
At age 19, Cole worked as an apprentice at Benteler Automotive as a maintenance technician and also worked on his associate degree in Mechatronics at Spartanburg Community College. Cole is extremely thankful for his father for being the driving force behind him on this path. Although his father is no longer with him, his insights still stay true today: The industry is booming and brings tons of job opportunities. It calls for a new generation of skilled manufactory workers.
Q&A
Tell us about your job. How would you describe your job to a student?
As a Apprentice I spend my time working with other experienced maintenance technicians on various mechanical and electronic equipment including automated stations and robots.
What advice do you have for students interested in your job?
Students must prepare as early as middle school. The study habits and your grade can affect your future opportunities.
What subjects in school will students need to do your job?
Math and English
What do I like most about my job?
Maintenance is a very hands-on job and can be very fulfilling. Not many jobs allow you to see the immediate impact my work has on the company. Additionally, the daily work and challenges are different, which make the job very interesting and engaging.
What is the biggest challenge in my job?
Learning more about manufacturing and how to adapt to the speed, pace and expectation for my job.
What do students need to do to get a job like yours?
Have an interest in how products are made and learn more about the great jobs available in Manufacturing.
