Again I got bored, so I applied for and received a position as an Automation Line Technician. For the next four years I maintained and provided technical support for six separate automation lines. After some time this too became somewhat mundane so I occupied my mind by attending some college classes. The degree was a joint venture provided by two separate colleges, Southwestern Community College and Iowa Western Community College.
In July of 2002 I received my associates degree in the applied science of Electromechanical Technology. As an Amateur Radio Operator the electronic end of the program was very interesting to me. With this newfound insight and some luck I found that I had some limited access to Smartforce online learning. I have since downloaded and am using several classes in Visual Basic, Advanced Microsoft Office (including Access), Unix, Java, Visual C++, and Lotus Notes.
After receiving my degree I advanced to the Maintenance department as the second shift in charge (leadhand minus the pay). As a member of the Maintenance crew my company has sent me on several training/orientation trips. As a result I also hold a plethora of certificates in Basic & Advanced Robotic Programming, Basic & Advanced PLC Programming, Videojet inkjet printer maintenance & troubleshooting, Emergency Spill Response, Weld Certification, Advanced Vision, Welder Repair, and Mechanical Systems. They have also provided on site Logix 500 training via Clarity Multimedia for which I have three certificates.
I found most of this extra education to be very helpful in the performance of my responsibilities. As an example I have used my Visual Basic class to write several programs to aid me in calibrating load cells throughout the plant. I am also working on integrating Visual with our RSLogix programs to ease the pain in data collection.
My ideal job would be hard to explain if I had not already been doing it. I enjoy troubleshooting/programming Robot & PLC programs. I like to work with networks, integrate technologies, and find new, creative ways of maintaining equipment and reducing downtime.
I have received my layoff as of 1/2/07. Since then I have began taking my Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems Technology Advancement at Bellevue University. The degree consists of C++ and Java programming, Systems development life cycle, Networking, Security, and Project Management. I hope to have my degree in July 2008.
Recent update as of 3/1/08:
I now have under my belt
1. C++ (intro, intermedite, & advanced)
2. Business telecomunications
3. Systems Development Lifecycle
4. Information Security
5. Program Management
6. Management & Design of Database Sytems
7. Web-Based Programming
