Sergio Garcia, apprentice program alumni from Norco College, joined in the Fall of 2018 as a Machine Operator I at Aranda Tooling.

Garcia had prior experience as a machinist from his home country in Mexico, but due to lack of industry credentials, he was unable to move up within his company. It was then when he decided to come to the United States in the quest for a new beginning.

Garcia not only enrolled in the apprenticeship program, but he also took ESL courses to refine his English reading and writing skills. He recalls bringing his girlfriend to his appointments to help translate.

Today, Garcia earned a certificate as a conventional machinist, and completed the apprenticeship program as a tool and die maker, all while maintaining a 3.5 grade point average. He accepted a promotion with Aranda Tooling, and is currently one of only a handful of tool and die makers throughout the company.

To learn about the Apprenticeship Program, contact Interim Apprenticeship Director Carlos Vasquez.