Student Experience: Mike Walker

“I have been part of many firsts in the history of the commercial and military communication transmitter industry, and have had the pleasure of working with some of the most brilliant people in the industry. The company I have worked at for nearly 25 years, Continental Electronics, has been in business for more than 60 years and is a world leader in communication technology. I had previously worked on designing mobile drilling rigs for several top companies in the Dallas area.

“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.

“By continuing your education throughout your career, you can take specific courses to make sure that new software is a good fit for your company. It is a slower, more detailed learning experience than the four-day cram courses most software sales companies offer, and it is unbiased. The instructors sincerely want you to learn and are eager to help.

“I would like to take a moment to thank the CADD faculty for its outstanding curriculum offering ongoing education for people already in the workforce, and their efforts to educate students trying to enter the job market in their specific fields of study.”

Mike Walker has attended CADD and Engineering Technology-CAD classes for ongoing education over many years. He holds an associate degree in mechanical design from Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. He is a working supervisor over his company’s group of mechanical engineers at Continental Electronics Corp.


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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
Mike Walker
Mike Walker
Supervisor of Mechanical Design Continental Electronics Corp.

Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)
School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Updated September 4, 2026