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

  • By Gale Fiege Herald Writer
  • Thursday, October 25, 2012 7:58pm
  • Business

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

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

Everett
Red Robin to pay $600K for harassment at Everett location

A consent decree approved Friday settles sexual harassment and retaliation claims by four victims against the restaurant chain.

magniX employees and staff have moved into the company's new 40,000 square foot office on Seaway Boulevard on Monday, Jan. 18, 2020 in Everett, Washington. magniX consolidated all of its Australia and Redmond operations under one roof to be home to the global headquarters, engineering, manufacturing and testing of its electric propulsion systems.  (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Harbour Air plans to buy 50 electric motors from Everett company magniX

One of the largest seaplane airlines in the world plans to retrofit its fleet with the Everett-built electric propulsion system.

Simreet Dhaliwal speaks after winning during the 2024 Snohomish County Emerging Leaders Awards Presentation on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Simreet Dhaliwal wins The Herald’s 2024 Emerging Leaders Award

Dhaliwal, an economic development and tourism specialist, was one of 12 finalists for the award celebrating young leaders in Snohomish County.

Lynnwood
New Jersey company acquires Lynnwood Land Rover dealership

Land Rover Seattle, now Land Rover Lynnwood, has been purchased by Holman, a 100-year-old company.

Szabella Psaztor is an Emerging Leader. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Szabella Pasztor: Change begins at a grassroots level

As development director at Farmer Frog, Pasztor supports social justice, equity and community empowerment.

Simreet Dhaliwal is an Emerging Leader. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Simreet Dhaliwal: A deep-seated commitment to justice

The Snohomish County tourism and economic specialist is determined to steer change and make a meaningful impact.

Nathanael Engen, founder of Black Forest Mushrooms, an Everett gourmet mushroom growing operation is an Emerging Leader. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Nathanael Engen: Growing and sharing gourmet mushrooms

More than just providing nutritious food, the owner of Black Forest Mushrooms aims to uplift and educate the community.

Owner and founder of Moe's Coffee in Arlington Kaitlyn Davis poses for a photo at the Everett Herald on March 22, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Kaitlyn Davis: Bringing economic vitality to Arlington

More than just coffee, Davis has created community gathering spaces where all can feel welcome.

Emerging Leader John Michael Graves. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
John Michael Graves: Champion for diversity and inclusion

Graves leads training sessions on Israel, Jewish history and the Holocaust and identifying antisemitic hate crimes.

Gracelynn Shibayama, the events coordinator at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, is an Emerging Leader. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Gracelynn Shibayama: Connecting people through the arts and culture

The Edmonds Center for the Arts coordinator strives to create a more connected and empathetic community.

Eric Jimenez, a supervisor at Cocoon House, is an Emerging Leader. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Eric Jimenez: Team player and advocate for youth

As an advocate for the Latino community, sharing and preserving its traditions is central to Jimenez’ identity.

Molbak's Garden + Home in Woodinville, Washington closed on Jan. 28 2024. (Photo courtesy of Molbak's)
Molbak’s, former Woodinville garden store, hopes for a comeback

Molbak’s wants to create a “hub” for retailers and community groups at its former Woodinville store. But first it must raise $2.5 million.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.