Submitted by Gavin Dorsch – Civil Engineering – Structural Alumni
In today’s modern age of Construction it is very important that we keep up with the constant changes in construction materials, codes, design software and industry standards. The Civil Engineering Technician – Structural program provides the needed education for these factors not only for new students coming right out of high school who want to get into the “Industry”, but also for those that have been in the “Industry” for years and need or want to stay educated.
In the Architectural field there are opportunities for CAD and Revit Technicians. Especially the Revit Technicians. Fortunately the Civil Engineering Technician – Structural program offers training both. I know that the other M.E.P. services (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) are also looking for individuals with the CAD and Revit backgrounds, again especially Revit.
As an alumni this program offered the training to allow me to enter a career and then build on it with experience from there. It also allowed me to come back many years later to take advantage of Revit software class so that I would not fall behind in my career. The teaching basis is advantageous to employers because it offers them an employee with knowledge, but also allows them to mold the employee into an important asset to their company.
Students surveying for a project.
I would recommend this program to anyone that is considering entering the construction industry. The program allows the flexibility to enter many different avenues in the industry. There are many career opportunities in the “Industry” whether it be as a designer in Architecture or M.E.P.’s, Surveyor, Construction Manager or even to start your own business in the Industry.
The education and the tools that you will receive from the Civil Engineering Technician – Structural program will allow you to prosper in the “Industry” as either an employee or future business owner. As an employer the program is designed perfectly to allow for a student to enter as a new employee and molded into an important asset to the company. In my experience it is easier to work with individuals that have come from the Moraine Park Program than it is to work with an individual from a 4 year college. Moraine Park provides a more of a hands-on training which is beneficial to training the graduate and utilizing his skills to make their business more profitable. All in all it is a win-win for both the graduate and the employer.
Ever since I was little I knew that I wanted to be an Architect. When it came time to move on after high school I choose Moraine Park Technical College over a 4 year university due to financial reasons. In hindsight I believe it was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. This was the program closest to “Architecture” they offered. Little did I know at the time I registered that I would be where I am today.
One of my favorite things about the college was that the majority of the classes were directly connected to the career that I was looking to pursue. Granted there were some general classes that we had to take, but in the long run I can honestly say that I have used a little bit of what I learned in those class to better myself along with my career.
I have been on quite a career journey since graduating. Although I have always stayed in the Construction Industry I have done and seen many things. I have been extensively involved in the Post Frame Industry starting as just a draftsman to being the Engineering Manager. I have been a project manager for a security controls company which allowed me to learn about all facets of the construction industry, from different types of construction to the different stages of the construction process. I have become my own design business owner. I am currently working for Abacus Architects, Inc. in Sheboygan as a project manager doing what I love, which is also allowing me to get my architectural license, which is what I have always wanted to be. Without the two year degree that I received from Moraine Park I would not be where I am today.
I am in the process of getting my architect’s license, which has been my goal from the day I started drawing sketches on paper on my parent’s coffee table when I was quite young. I have an on-going goal to make sure that I continue to better myself to excel in this “Industry”, which also includes education. I took advantage of the Revit course at Moraine Park to meet this on-going goal and it turning out to be a very fruitful decision. Just because you have graduated from Moraine Park does not mean that it doesn’t have anything to offer when you on your career path. I am living proof of that and the programs are available to anyone if they want to pursue them, whether it is just one class or a whole class schedule.
I am a little biased, due to the fact that I am a former graduate and a Civil Engineering Advisory Committee member, but I think that anyone looking to get into the “Industry” needs to take a long hard look at the Civil Engineering Technician program. I am not saying that a four year college isn’t important, but what is offered at Moraine Park is just as good if not better. I believe that the hands-on type of training that is offered at Moraine Park is beneficial not only to the student, but also to the future employer he or she will be working for.
Click here for more information on the Civil Engineering – Structural Program.
Pictured in top photo: Tim Fintzen, Stephanie Fols, and Nate Hess. Three of the graduates of 2017.
