Skip to Main Content Open Alternative Formats of This Page

Josh Embry

“A master electrician where I work got his associate degree from North Lake and told me I should check it out too. I’m learning a lot, like being able to read blueprints and wiring diagrams.

“I like my job because I see different stuff every day; it’s not the same old routine. You never know what you’re getting into each day until you get to the job, and I like that.

“I get to see a lot of aspects of electrical work in my classes. For instance, I don’t deal with motors in my job, but I’m learning about single-phase and three-phase motors in class. Blueprint reading has also really helped me. When our school district opens up new buildings, we’ve got to be able to read plans to see how the building will be wired. I use that skill daily.

“My advice to anyone wanting to pursue a career as an electrician is to leave your mind open and soak in as much as you can. There’s no way you can know everything about this profession. Take as many classes as you can and learn as much as you can from people and their experiences.”

Josh Embry has worked since 2000 as an apprentice electrician for the Northwest Independent School District in Justin, Texas. He is earning an associate degree in Electrical Technology from North Lake and is also in the process of getting his journeyman’s license, with plans to become a master electrician.


Read More

Mike Walker

Supervisor of Mechanical Design Continental Electronics Corp.
“You should never stop learning in today’s world. If you do, you get left behind like the dinosaurs. Once you have knowledge, though, no one can take it away from you. The most important thing I learned is how to have the tools you need in today’s workforce.”
Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)
Mike Reinhardt

Mike Reinhardt

Full-Time Student and Future Underwater Welder
“The instructors in the program are really great and take time to help me when I need it. I want to take every welding course I can to get the experience I’ll need for my future career: I plan to become an underwater welder and am looking at schools where I can transfer and get that specialty.”
Welding
Paul Mears

Paul Mears

Welding Artist and Business Owner Iron Art of La Jolla, Calif.
“Welding is so much fun — it’s dangerous and exciting. Dewayne Roy is one of the best instructors you could ever want. He’s not only knowledgeable in the field, but is so upbeat and willing to show you everything he can.”
Welding
Rodney Taylor

Rodney Taylor

Management Coordinator Prevost, a division of Volvo Group; Adjunct Faculty Diesel Maintenance Technician Program
“The labs I worked in at Dallas College had all of the latest equipment, and that’s what I learned on. I think that my advanced training is part of what helped me move up the career ladder; I just knew a lot more than most of my peers because of my training.”
Automotive Technology
Josh Embry
Josh Embry
Apprentice Electrician Northwest ISD

Electrical Technology
School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Updated September 16, 2025