Student Stories - Colby Williamson

In 2019, like many recent college graduates, Colby Williamson was having trouble finding a job. “I got a 4-year bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering at the University of Delaware,” Williamson says. “After graduation from UD I was having trouble finding jobs so I spent the summer travelling around at which point I realized that working on wind turbines was the perfect job for me. The only issue was that I didn’t have the qualifications to be a wind turbine technician and so it was back to school.”

Williamson, a Delaware native, had never lived anywhere else before he drove across the country to come to CGCC. His choice wasn’t arbitrary, or without consideration. His evaluation led him to CGCC’s Electro-Mechanical Technology (EM-Tech) program. “After some research online for good programs and narrowing it down based on location, there were a few that stood out to me,” he says.

“But, it was after speaking with (EM-Tech program head) Jim Pytel on the phone that I decided to attend CGCC. Not only was Jim well acquainted with and connected in the wind industry but he seemed passionate about educating future technicians. I was also impressed by the hands-on/lab-centric nature of the program and the extensive resources at the college. This includes the climbing tower, the mechanics lab (which has the inner workings of an old turbine nacelle), and CGCC’s thorough collection of lab equipment--from motor control, plc, and hydraulics equipment to a large assortment of electronics equipment such as Digital multimeters, oscilloscopes and function generators, to name a few. The job prospects and hiring rate of past students was another huge draw to this program.”

Pytel’s leadership extended outside the classroom as well. “My new job is an entry-level position with GE working on the Shepherds Flat Wind Farm. I will be starting out as a wind turbine mechanic and will have the opportunity to rise through the levels of turbine technician as time goes on. I will be starting off performing general maintenance on the turbines under the mentorship of higher level technicians.The site manager at Shepherd’s Flat is Tyrel Quantrell, a former CGCC student, and it was through Jim Pytel that we were able to connect and set up the interview process. Jim was indispensable in the job search process and I am very thankful for his support as well as my other instructors Tom Lieurance and Chris Spengler.”

Besides classroom instruction from the three EM-Tech instructors, Williamson says he has “really enjoyed the hands-on nature of this program. Unfortunately, that was abruptly interrupted by the COVID-19 lockdown, but I enjoyed all the lab time that we did have. Working in the mechanics lab and with the motor control and hydraulics equipment were some of my favorites. I also enjoy woodworking and have recently taken up chainsaw carving which has been a great outlet during quarantine.”

In addition to woodworking, Williamson enjoys spending time outdoors, which is another reason he chose CGCC, and he spent much of his free time while in school enjoying “the unique beauty and extensive natural resources of the Gorge. I spend most of my free time exploring around and enjoying all of the amazing places that the PNW has to offer.”

Williamson’s love of the outdoors was something his parents taught him. “Not only did both of my parents instill an immense love and appreciation for enjoying and protecting the natural world around us, but they loved being active outdoors and working with their hands. Whether it was woodworking, odd jobs around the house, fishing or coaching me and my brother’s little league teams my dad was always an enthusiastic teacher/mentor and I learned a lot of what I love from him.”

“My dad tragically passed away last July 2020 after an 8-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was a huge influence in my life and still is to this day. It is largely because of him that I am pursuing this career path. My mom has also been extremely supportive of anything I’ve wanted to try throughout my life and I owe her just about everything. She is the strongest person I know, especially through my dad’s illness, and I really admire and look up to her. She is an avid gardener, biker and runner and also a big reason why I love the outdoors and working with my hands. I have been extremely lucky to have had the support of two amazing parents and I wouldn’t be here without either one.”

His advice to new students is that “two years goes by quick. If you’re able to, try lots of different things while it’s available to you. Take advantage of all the classes and resources offered. I wish that I had gotten more involved with the school and tried some more clubs and classes outside of my major. Due to COVID-19 and being home (Delaware) to help with my dad I lost track of time and didn’t get around to a lot of that. But, the college offers a lot of cool classes such as welding and music classes that I think I would have liked a lot.”

And where does Williamson see himself in five years? “I think I will probably still be working on wind turbines. Becoming a wind turbine technician has been my main goal for so long now I think I’m just going to enjoy it for a while. But, I’m always open to new experiences and trying new things so who knows what five years will bring.”