Alumni Testimonials

HS Courses Completed:

• Engineering & Design courses

• Skilled Trades

University Attended:  

• University of Pittsburgh

Degree:  

• Mechanical Engineering

Current Profession:

•  Operations Leader at Allegheny Ludlum

How has the Technology Education program and/or specific Technology Education courses helped prepare you for your career:
Technology Education was a fundamental program for my further education and career.  I chose the path of Mechanical Engineering. All the students in my classes were very smart in math and physics, but what allowed me to stand out was my mechanical abilities and understanding of how things work and are made.  Anybody can design, but a successful designer will think and understand how it will be produced.  This is obtained through classes like Metal and Wood Shop.  The skills needed to present these ideas are obtained through classes like Technical Drawing and Product Development.

            I started working in a machine shop where I utilized my machining, welding, and forging skills.  I also had to read and understand plan sheets.  This led to my Co-op position, at a forging and machine shop, reverse engineering parts and designing/drawing equipment retrofits.  Once again leaning very heavy on my experiences from the North Hills Technology Education program.  My skills learned in classes such as Electricity & Electronics and Material Engineering, where a tensile tester was used, allowed me to be successful in my position of Quality and Process Engineer. 

Currently I work at Allegheny Ludlum ATI as the Hot Strip Mill Supervisor.  I work in production, with a heavy lean on my mechanical abilities.  I work with our Electrical and Mechanical Techs in operations to improve reliability of the process and streamline production.  Skills learned here allow me to successfully troubleshoot equipment/circuits, convey my ideas/concerns, and design solutions.

            I wholeheartedly use the skills I learned here at North Hills every day, both in my professional career and personal life.  These classes are essential to be an engineer, work in the trades, or just plain life.  Every student at some point will need and utilize these skills in their lifetime.  This could be for a career, a hobby, or just around the house.  If nothing else is taken away from these classes, the three very important life lessons learned are how to measure, safety and respect for tools and equipment, and follow through of a project.  Without classes like these, we would be robbing students of the tools needed to be successful and a contributing member of society.

HS Courses Completed:

• Engineering & Design courses

• Programming & Design Courses

• Skilled Trades Courses

University Attended:  

• Kent State University

Degree:  

• Master of Architecture 

Current Profession:

•  Architect

How has the Technology Education program and/or specific Technology Education courses helped prepare you for your career:
North Hills Tech Ed exposed me to the very same computer programs I used throughout college, and now here in the workplace – and that started at 14 years old. I am at the point now where I have 10 years of experience using such applications, and I am only 24 years old. 

HS Courses Completed:

• Engineering & Design courses

• Programming & Design Courses

• Skilled Trades Courses

University Attended:  

• University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown

Degree:  

• Information Systems

Current Profession:

•  Scrum Master

How has the Technology Education program and/or specific Technology Education courses helped prepare you for your career:
I have been able to apply the skills I've learned in the Tech Ed program in many aspects of my life, and I have benefitted greatly from what I learned! The Web and Game Design courses offered by Mr. Clark prepared me for my college level courses in Information System, and eventually I was able to use those skills to land both an internship and my first job after college where I became a Software Engineer. Having the chance to try those courses in high school allowed me to discover what field I wanted to end up in, without wasting time and money switching majors throughout college. I still regularly use skills from Graphic Design as I design shirts for an alumni organization I'm apart of. Also, I often use skills I've learned in Wood shop and Home Maintenance as a home owner to take care of projects around my home. The Tech Ed program gives insight into potential career paths, and leaves you with skills that directly translate to the real-world.