Machining and Welding programs lead to success

Valley Campus

Brendan Simbeck worked his way up to supervisor and then quit that job to go to school at Trinidad State Junior College in Alamosa. He continued to work odd jobs, but he wanted a career that would get him off the road. He left high school at age 17 earning his GED that very day. He spent the next twelve years right out of high school working construction during which time he married his wife, Candace. While she was studying Nursing at TSJC, she took some brochures home to Brendan. Brendan was drawn to the machining Program and he began his studies in the spring of 2010, the year after Candace graduated with her Associate Degree in Nursing.

Simbeck had worked closely with Van’s Machine Shop personnel when he sought their assistance with two motors he had built. He was impressed with their family-style work place and the friendly atmosphere. Simbeck wanted to work at Van’s Machine Shop more than anywhere else. The training he has received in the Machining and Welding Programs at TSJC laid the groundwork for an apprentice ship at Van’s Machine Shop. His sincere interest in working there was evidenced in his frequent visits to the shop. When a position became available, Brendan was invited to join the team. He eagerly accepted their invitation and has now worked there for one year. “Everything I’m doing here at TSJC I apply at work every day. I couldn’t have gotten in that door without the base of what I got here at TSJC. I love going to work every day and I look forward to it. Thanks go to Gary (Teckenbrock – previous Machining instructor), Brian (Cumby – present Machining instructor), and Norm (Williams – Welding instructor). Everything they’ve taught has been invaluable to me. I use it every day,” said Simbeck.

He went on to say, “The instruction I’ve gotten here at TSJC has been a foundation for me to build off of for the rest of my career.” He is also appreciative of his co-workers at Van’s Machine Shop. “They are a great bunch of guys to work with that teach me things every day. There are some cool projects I get to do. I’m grateful for everybody along the way who has helped me to get where I am.”

Simbeck is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society for two-year colleges. He will be graduating Summa Cum Laude (with greatest honor) which represents a 4.0 cumulative grade point average. He will have earned a Machining Certificate and an AAS Degree in Manufacturing Technology.

With his first child expected in October, Simbeck is especially grateful to be “off the road” and working at Van’s Machine Shop. He will complete his degree at TSJC this May.