High Hopes: She wants to work on planes -- and boats

Brie Baerg, 21

City: Oak Harbor
Program: Skagit Valley College Marine Technology program (Anacortes)

Q: Why did you enroll in this program? Are you interested in aerospace or simply looking for steady work?
A: I am taking all the courses available here at Marine Tech, but my focus is on composites. My goal is a job in the aerospace industry and especially a job at Boeing. But I also want to buy and maintain my own boat. I believe there are a lot of job opportunities in aerospace and I am able to do the physical labor. It had been a while since I had been in school, but this is a great, affordable program and by next summer I should be able to apply for a job at Boeing.

Q: What would be your ideal first job after this training? What would you like to be doing in five or 10 years?
A: I would like a position as a composites technician. However, I am picking up the skill sets necessary for many jobs in various industries. If I can get in as a technician, then my goal would be to work my way up the job ladder at Boeing.

Q: So you feel good about job prospects at Boeing? Would you be willing to relocate?
A: Boeing is the top company and is recognized as such. I would be willing to relocate. I moved here to go to Skagit Valley College. Moving is not a problem. A friend's dad worked for Boeing. He made good money and enjoyed his job.

Q: When did you first travel by air and where did you go?
A: I was about three years old and flew with my family from Southern California to North Carolina. I love flying and want somebody to get my pilot's license, as well. Planes and boats have always been my thing.

Q: What will air transportation be like in 50 years?
A: Faster, bigger. We will always want to transport people and goods by air. I would plan to keep current with new developments and move forward with the industry.

Q: How long is your day here at the tech school?
A: I am here from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., four days a week. I stay later to work on my composites projects.

Learn more
Skagit Valley College's manufacturing technology program offers courses in technical design, welding and manufacturing fundamentals. Skagit Valley also has a certificate program option for composites.

Website: www.skagit.edu/default.asp
Marine Technology program: www.skagit.edu/directory.asp_Q_ pagenumber_E_209