2017 Capstone.

Anthony Thompson

2017 Capstone Project

Looking to my future as a technician begins with looking back. Since I was a kid I was always had an affinity for large machines, and anything with an engine. Tractor trailers, and locomotives (both steam, and diesel electric) always got my attention. I had said one day I would drive a semi truck, and perhaps someday be an engineer on a train. When I was 22 I went to C.R. England truck driving school and got my class A commercial driver license, which I still have. I drove long haul for a couple years, then I drove fuel tankers for couple years before going back over the road. I drove off and on from 1998 till 2015. I decided I wanted a change and took a year to plan what direction I would take. I still like trucks and trains, and decided I still to be involved in the industry, just in a different role. I registered at Bellingham technical College in the spring of 2016, and applied for the Diesel Technology program.

This brings up to date, and where I am deciding where I'm going to go from here. I'm planning on continuing my education even past BTC, and will get my Bachelors of Applied Science in Diesel Technology from another school when I finish here. I know the BAS degree will open up more doors for me. I'm particularly interested in a career working with diesel electric, and hybrid technology locomotives.

I'm planning on doing my initial internship as a diesel truck technician at a dealer level, as I want to stay local while still in my program at BTC. Then I plan to get an internship at locomotive service shop when I work on my BAS, and get start my career in the locomotive industry when I complete my degree.

A position of great interest is as a Service Engineer at Progress Rail, a Caterpillar subsidiary that builds EMD locomotives, and well as many other rail and freight related products and solutions. From the research I've done, it shows Progress rail offers a lot of opportunity to move forward, and their employees like working for them.

Interpersonal skills, problem solving, customer relations, analytical ability, mechanical and electrical aptitude, knowledge of fundamental inspection, Ability to read Engineering drawings, research, and training and developing new employees are all a part of the skills required as a service engineer at Progress Rail. This position is also eligible for relocation benefits. Salary is $46K average, up to about $65K for senior service engineer.

*Their 401(k) plan includes a generous company match and immediate vesting.

*Their relocation benefits may include repayment agreement, miscellaneous expense allowance, broker registration, house hunting, temporary living, home sale assistance, home purchase closing costs, duplicate housing, rental assistance, final move, movement of household goods, spouse career assistance and tax assistance.

Benefits of working for Progress Rail, and EMD.

Being a part of Caterpillar gives Progress Rail and EMD greater access to new technology, and gives them more leverage in the marketplace.

There's piece of mind. Progress rail cares about the environment, their re-power units use up to 90% recycled content and fuel savings of 10-25%.

In conclusion, I feel Progress Rail would be a great company to work for, that cares about their employees, as well as their customers. I will continue my education and training as well, and move into other positions as I gain experience and seniority.