Student Experience: Josh Embry

“A master electrician where I work got his associate degree from North Lake and told me I should check it out too. I’m learning a lot, like being able to read blueprints and wiring diagrams.

“I like my job because I see different stuff every day; it’s not the same old routine. You never know what you’re getting into each day until you get to the job, and I like that.

“I get to see a lot of aspects of electrical work in my classes. For instance, I don’t deal with motors in my job, but I’m learning about single-phase and three-phase motors in class. Blueprint reading has also really helped me. When our school district opens up new buildings, we’ve got to be able to read plans to see how the building will be wired. I use that skill daily.

“My advice to anyone wanting to pursue a career as an electrician is to leave your mind open and soak in as much as you can. There’s no way you can know everything about this profession. Take as many classes as you can and learn as much as you can from people and their experiences.”

Josh Embry has worked since 2000 as an apprentice electrician for the Northwest Independent School District in Justin, Texas. He is earning an associate degree in Electrical Technology from North Lake and is also in the process of getting his journeyman’s license, with plans to become a master electrician.


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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
Josh Embry
Josh Embry
Apprentice Electrician Northwest ISD

Electrical Technology
School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Updated September 4, 2026