I came into an apprenticeship program, without any mechanical skills whatsoever. I had never worked in a mechanical field, and came into the program without a clue of what I had got myself into. Joaquin assured me all would be okay, if I just listened, worked hard and applied what he was going to teach. He was one hundred percent correct. He teaches in a very easy to understand style, and breaks down more difficult subjects, and makes them seem easy. He never once gets frustrated, annoyed or angry with his student’s lack of comprehension. He only keeps working hard to teach the subject and find a way to get the student up to speed. Whether it be welding and fabrication, machining, pipe fitting, hydraulics or pneumatics, he knows the subjects inside and out, and he can show you the easiest and most efficient way to solve a difficult job. Joaquin’s mind works in a very thorough and mechanical way, in the sense that he will figure a problem out, when others have given up. He always finds a solution to a mechanical problem. I don’t think I would’ve gotten through my four and half year apprenticeship, had it not been for Joaquin’s guidance. He is one heck of an instructor. He is personally responsible for being the primary instructor of over half my team’s workforce. Also, Joaquin is a very compassionate person, who you can go to for guidance in other areas, whether they be personal, or career wise. We all need a person to talk to from time to time, and Joaquin has always been a person that cares about his students and their well being. I feel very fortunate and lucky to have had Joaquin as my instructor and mentor. Chad Orosco Operations and Maintenance Tech IV Metropolitan Water District of Southern CA.
Chad Orosco: Apprentice/Student
“Joaquin was an excellent instructor to me while I was in my apprenticeship program. He had great communication skills with his students, and he always went out of his way to ensure we were learning the material and succeeding in our work environment. I was struggling during the welding portion of our program and pushed me to work harder and practice so that I could improve my welding skills. During our machining portion of the program his expertise was really on display as he taught a class of 9 of us how to do precise machining on a lathe and mill. If it wasn’t for his excellent teaching abilities we wouldn’t have done as well as we all did in program and succeed in our careers.”
Steven Barrio: Mechanical Team Robert B. Diemer Water Treatment Plant Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Joaquin is the embodiment of a great educator. He has an everlasting thirst for knowledge. That thirst for knowledge is evident in his teaching. If there is s subject or discipline that he is not knowledgeable in, he will make it his priority to master that discipline. That kind of self reflection and willingness to grow is an inspiration to his students. The "do as I say, not as I do" approach is very hard to overlook for many students. Joaquin is a "do as I do" type of individual. I have been under Joaquin's tutelage for years and have personally gained a wealth of knowledge from him. He has a tremendous amount of experience in the mechanical field. His experience gives him insight into mechanical troubleshooting that is unprecedented. He teaches students how to be methodical in their approach to troubleshooting. I have been able to apply so many of the skills that I have gained in class to real life applications. I have no doubt that I am a better mechanic because he was one of my mentors.
Aaron Gire: Operations and Maintenance, Metropolitan Water District
> My name is Dave. I recently graduated from a state credited apprenticeship program where Joaquin was my instructor. For four years I studied under Joaquin and was able to acquire the necessary skill sets to perform my daily duties as an industrial maintenance mechanic. > I came into the apprenticeship with a general knowledge of maintenance mechanics. With that being said, I had zero experience reading blueprints, turning on a metal lathe, or machining on a mill. Joaquin helped me get through my challenges and was always able to tailor his teaching techniques to fit my learning ability many times even staying after class to re-review material that some of us needed extra help with. The classroom environment was always extremely comfortable. Questions were always welcomed and answered with great detail. > During my apprenticeship, Joaquin always took the time to get to know his students strong points and focus on improving their weaknesses. > I credit Joaquin tremendously for my success as he supported me through the entire program. I strongly encourage anyone who is interested in the industrial maintenance industry to consider this program. Thanks Joaquin!!
Dave Gerber: Operations and Maintenance Technician IV, Metropolitan Water District
“Joaquin teaches from experience and he cares about the students success. His vast knowledge of many disciplines is broken down and is relayed in a step by step process. This assist the students to follow and better understand these topics completely.”
Ben Eisley: Welding Instructor, Mount San Antonio College
I believe Joaquin is one of the mentors in my life that I owe a lot of thanks to. I'm only at the beginning of my millwright career but thanks to him I hit the ground running. Through my apprenticeship program Joaquin was always on top of my group making sure we were sharp and knowledgeable in every aspect of the trade whether it was making us into slick welders, competent riggers, or good machinist. Thanks to Joaquin and the knowledge he brought to the table my group has been very successful in the field. Jose Mendez Journey Mechanic USSugar, Clewiston Florida
Jose Mendez
