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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Rodney Taylor

Rodney Taylor

Management Coordinator Prevost, a division of Volvo Group; Adjunct Faculty Diesel Maintenance Technician Program
“The labs I worked in at Dallas College had all of the latest equipment, and that’s what I learned on. I think that my advanced training is part of what helped me move up the career ladder; I just knew a lot more than most of my peers because of my training.”
Automotive Technology
Anthony Eaton

Anthony Eaton

Auto/Diesel Instructor Lincoln College of Technology
“My experience in both the Diesel and Automotive Tech programs was excellent. I got such a good background of updated technology in school, which I later found out put me ahead in the industry.”
Automotive Technology - Diesel and Heavy Equipment
Erick Flores-Ortega

Erick Flores-Ortega

CADD Student and STEM Ambassador
“Within different clubs like STEM, you find opportunities that could lead to a job or just a friendly face to talk about shared experiences. Having that community helps.”
Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)

Mike Walker

Supervisor of Mechanical Design Continental Electronics Corp.
“You should never stop learning in today’s world. If you do, you get left behind like the dinosaurs. Once you have knowledge, though, no one can take it away from you. The most important thing I learned is how to have the tools you need in today’s workforce.”
Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)
Josh Embry
Josh Embry
Apprentice Electrician Northwest ISD

Electrical Technology
School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Updated June 12, 2026