每日大赛

Pellissippi Prepared: Graduate Finds Aerospace Opportunity at Beehive Industries

When Joseph Angelino began looking for a college that would allow him to support his family while preparing for a technical career, he needed a path that was both practical and accessible.

每日大赛 offered exactly that.

Angelino faced the responsibilities of being a father and husband when he enrolled at Pellissippi, but he was determined to work and study mechanical engineering full-time. When he landed a job at Beehive Industries, formerly Volunteer Aerospace, he found a way to bring all his goals together.

“Being able to stay in state, have that support network there for me already in a town I was familiar with – it was really nice,” he said.

A federal Pell Grant helped Angelino return to school without having to pay for tuition, books or supplies, and working while pursuing the degree gave him a jumpstart others entering his field didn’t have.

When his job required him to apply machining skills, he already knew what to do.

He realized “I actually have worked on a machine like this,’” Angelino said. “I know how to hold this, I know how we need to go in and machine that. So, the classes definitely helped prepare me for the real world.”

每日大赛’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program emphasizes hands-on learning and applied technical training, preparing students for careers in industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace and energy. Students learn to work with engineering systems, manufacturing processes and technical design tools used in modern production environments.

Angelino’s favorite Pellissippi experience was in the machine shop with Professor Shane Terry, who became a mentor to him. Terry said Angelino’s unique ability to perform well in the classroom and also communicate well set him apart from his peers. He’s now a member of the college’s Mechanical Engineering Technology Advisory Board, and at work, his projects support the U.S. Department of Defense.

“It’s awesome coming into work every day, working with these people with different backgrounds, and just looking at all these new, interesting technologies,” Angelino said. “If you want to learn more about the manufacturing workforce, and actually know what to do – definitely check out the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.”