ECC Student Finds His Path in Industrial Maintenance

Geovany Medina came to Elgin Community College with an interest in engineering and automotive, but was unsure what exact path to take. He quickly found the right fit in industrial maintenance through ECC’s Automation, Robotics, and Maintenance Technology (ARM) program. 

ECC will offer many different programs in our new Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC), including advanced manufacturing, welding, automation, robotics, and maintenance technology (ARM), HVAC, and energy management. 

Early in his time at ECC, Medina connected with the WIOA (Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act) program and met with Workforce Career Coordinator Anita Illg. Through conversations about his goals and interests, he found the right path for himself in industrial maintenance technology. 

Through the ARM program, Medina has learned from instructors like Steven “Woody” Wood, associate professor of industrial maintenance technology (IST), and Instructor Michael Marin, whose teaching styles have helped him build confidence in the field.  

“Woody teaches you in a way that humbles you. At least that's how I look at it; we’re all new,” Medina said about Wood’s teaching. ‘I’m your journeyman, and I’m going to teach you the ways of this field.’” 

Marin is very hands-on in his teaching approach, Medina said, and gives real-life examples to help students visualize what it's like in the real world.  

As he progressed in the program, Medina discovered an interest in working with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and maintenance systems.  

There are many different careers the ARM program can prepare ECC students for, including industrial engineering, robotics technician, machinist, electromechanical technician, electrical engineering technologist, and quality control systems specialist. He’s been working with an ECC internship coordinator to explore internship opportunities and gain real-world experience.  

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment in this field is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for many occupations. 

He is currently set to graduate in May 2026 with his basic vocational specialist certificate in industrial maintenance technology. After graduation, Medina is interested in pursuing the basic vocational specialist certification in automated electronic systems and then following that with an associate degree. Continuing his education means Medina can take classes at ECC’s new MTC, opening in fall 2026.  

He looks forward to taking classes at the MTC with the new equipment to practice on. In the new facility, students like Medina will have an enhanced view of their professors working on equipment, with live video streamed on a screen in front of the classroom. Medina is excited about this new addition, especially when working on equipment like switchboards and motor controls.  

The community is invited to explore these spaces during the MTC open house at 4 pm on Thursday, September 24. 

For more information on the event or programs in the new facility, visit elgin.edu/mtc.