Brandon Richards
Machinist; Aggressive Grinding Service
What was your first job?
Apprentice
What do you do in your current role?
Shop tooling/ Fixturing and Machine building
How/why did you begin your career in manufacturing?
In highschool, I Attended Eastern Westmoreland Career and technology center and started machining then my senior year I started co-op which is basically work release in a machine shop after graduation I continued there and went through a apprenticeship with the NTMA and graduated a year early and was able to win the apprentice competition. This past year I was asked if I would be interested in teaching for the NTMA and started that in the spring.
What is your educational background?
Finished high school and received diploma
When you were in middle school/high school what sparked your interest in the manufacturing career pathway?
My vo-tech teacher. Bots IQ and the opportunity to make things with my hands
What do you like most about your current position and work you are doing in manufacturing?
Some thing new every day and the challenge.
What is the biggest thing that surprised you about manufacturing when you started working in the industry?
That everything you use throughout your day has been manufactured in some way.
What is your #1 piece of advice for young people to prepare for a successful future?
Always keep an open mind and willingness to learn.
Why should someone consider a career in manufacturing?
You will always be able to find a job anywhere in the world and make a comfortable living.
What is something you enjoy doing outside of work?
Riding my side by side and quads