From Apprentice to Engineer: A Northeast Ohio Career Path That Still Works

In an era when college debt is often seen as the price of a successful career, Brian Bricker’s story offers a powerful reminder: there is more than one way to build a high-paying, meaningful future.

In 1988, Brian began his career as a $12-an-hour electrical apprentice at The Timken Company’s steel mill in Canton, now known as Metallus. He did not hold an engineering degree. He did not have industry connections. What he did have was curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn on the job.

Over the next 35 years, Brian steadily advanced—from the mill floor to Timken Research & Development—ultimately retiring as a controls engineer. His work took him across the United States and around the world, designing, troubleshooting, and improving complex automation systems that power modern manufacturing. He accomplished all of it without ever earning a four-year college degree.

“I had incredible mentors coming up through my apprenticeship at Timken,” Brian says. “It would be selfish not to pass that knowledge on.”

So after retiring, Brian didn’t slow down. He came back to the classroom.

Today, Brian teaches Automation & Electronics at Portage Lakes Career Center (PLCC), preparing high school students for the same type of careers that shaped his own. His classroom reflects the reality of today’s manufacturing environment—not the noisy assembly lines of the past, but clean, high-tech facilities driven by software, data, and precision systems.

Students learn PLC programming, robotics, industrial controls, electrical systems, and how to solve problems under pressure. They tour local manufacturers such as GOJO and see firsthand how modern production works. These experiences help students understand that manufacturing today is less about physical labor and more about technical thinking.

The demand for these skills is strong—and growing. Northeast Ohio manufacturers, including Timken, GOJO, and Nestlé, continue to report a shortage of qualified automation and electronics technicians. These are careers that offer strong wages, long-term stability, and advancement opportunities close to home.

Recognizing that need, PLCC is expanding access to its Automation & Electronics program. Beginning in Fall 2026, the program will open to adult learners as well as high school students.

This pathway is designed for individuals who are:

• Working in jobs that do not offer enough pay or growth
• Considering college but concerned about long-term debt
• Seeking a career change with real earning potential
• Exploring opportunities available right here in Northeast Ohio
• Parents helping their adult child find a practical, rewarding career

The program focuses on hands-on training aligned with industry needs and includes preparation for industry-recognized certifications. Graduates can expect starting salaries ranging from $65,000 to $90,000, often within one to two years of training, with no college debt required.

Brian Bricker’s career is proof that this path is not theoretical—it works. It has worked for decades in Northeast Ohio, and it will become even more critical as manufacturing continues to evolve.

As Brian puts it, “These skills open doors. They always have.”

For students and adults alike, Automation & Electronics represents a practical, proven way to turn problem-solving skills into a future-ready career—right here at home.

Portage Lakes Career Center, conveniently located in Green, prepares high school students and adult learners for in-demand careers through hands-on, career-focused education. By partnering with local employers, PLCC provides real-world training, industry-aligned credentials, and clear pathways to the workforce.

Those interested in learning more about programs, touring the campus, or applying can visit plcc.edu or call 330.896.8102 for additional information.