Dallas College

Student Experience: Geoff Tchon

“I had always loved airplanes growing up, so when I had a chance to start over, I fell right into it.

“I had a small business that ended up collapsing during COVID. Then, when I was looking online, I found that Dallas College was starting their aircraft maintenance program. I thought, yes, this is something I want to do for my future. The Dallas College program is really a career-ready program that focuses on your long-term success. Over 90% of our students have passed our REN exams and are already licensed.

“It’s a lot of taking us from just raw students and turning us into professionals. We have a hanger right over at RedBird. We have engines. We have airframes. We’re actually doing the work that we’re going to be doing out in the field and working with the exact tools we would be using.

“I’ve discovered it takes a lot of perseverance and determination as well as not being afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands a little dirty.”


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Hugh Brooks

Hugh Brooks

President Think Green Builders LLC
“I was delighted to find that North Lake had a Construction Technology department that taught by hands-on practice along with text. The instructors were qualified educators, but also had many years of experience in construction. Everyone in our firm, regardless of their position, takes construction courses at North Lake.”
Construction Technology
Harold Collins

Harold Collins

Welding Instructor Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, Calif.
“The educational atmosphere created in the welding program is second to none — ensuring success to any student willing to work.”
Welding
Gabriela Sanchez

Gabriela “Gaby” Sanchez

CAD Technician Raymond L. Goodson Jr. Inc. Consulting Engineers
“I would recommend this program because it’s a growing career field. There’s a lot of need for CAD technicians, especially in civil engineering departments because of all the construction going on in the metroplex. It’s a promising career.”
Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)
Frank Juarez

Frank Juarez

Retired Engineering Technician Texas Instruments; Electronics/Mechatronics Student
“From my Mechatronics class, my skills will be applicable whether I’m working as a technician in the field or in a power generation center. I’ve also realized from taking Mechatronics how much I like to teach the younger kids, mentoring them in learning how to do things from the ground up.”
Mechatronics
Geoff Tchon
Geoff Tchon
Student, Dallas College Aviation Maintenance Program
Aviation Maintenance Technology
School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Updated September 4, 2026