Energy Training Can Inspire You to Aim High: Ken Todd’s Story

As the former Energy Technology Program Director in Canton, Michigan, Ken Todd brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table.

The role of Program Director “involves overseeing an industrial type of training program. This program equips students with the necessary skills to secure jobs in various fields including wind turbine technicians, energy technicians, operators, boiler operators, as well as diesel,” Ken says.^77.1

Ken’s journey into this field wasn’t linear. In fact, he had a couple of other career paths before this one. Right after high school, he joined the Air Force as a nuclear weapons specialist. He dabbled in various manufacturing jobs after leaving the military but none of them were the right fit for him. It was only when he discovered our Canton campus and undertook training to become a boiler operator that he found his calling.

After completing his education, he was asked to stay on and teach. Two years later, he became the Program Director.

Ken's passion for teaching stems from his desire to help others exceed their own expectations.

“A lot of people come in with a preconceived idea of what their goals are, and they quickly find out that there’s so much more than what they thought. It’s fun for me to help turn on those lightbulbs,” he explains.

He also highlights the immense opportunities that exist in the field of wind energy.

“The opportunities for our students in wind continue to grow exponentially,” he shares. He also points out the exciting potential for offshore wind energy, which could produce more gigawatts of power.

When it comes to industrial maintenance, Ken believes the opportunities are almost limitless.

“There are thousands of jobs anywhere from Ford to Chrysler to big three automotives to other types of jobs like US Steel…” he says. He also enjoys the variety that comes with working in industrial maintenance, where every day brings something new.

Ken recommends UTI for those seeking training in these fields because of its cost-effective and time-efficient programs. “You can get in and get out quickly, you have seven months to a certificate program, it’s much cheaper than a four-year college and the amount of work that we put in as instructors and getting with the industry leaders helps us get them prepared for the job,” he explains.

As a former student himself, Ken understands what students go through and believes that success in the energy industry requires a lot of self-motivation.

“At the end of the day, it’s all on you. You’re going to get out of it what you put into it,” he advises.

His final words of encouragement to prospective students and new graduates? Set your sights high.

“Aim high because you’ve got the skill set,” he encourages. “You’ve got this.”

Students in the Energy Technology, Wind Power or Industrial Maintenance Technician programs can look forward to pursuing exciting career opportunities after graduation.^84,125 Ken Todd's story serves as a testament to the power of technical training and the opportunities it can unlock in various fields.