Air Force Vet Launches a Career as a Truck Technician

Brooklyn Park, May 31, 2023 – Isaac Lessard graduated with the Class of 2023 with an associate degree in the Medium & Heavy Truck program, which provides training for truck technicians. Lessard is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserves and we asked him about his career choice.

Hennepin Tech: What was your job in the Air Force Reserves?

Lessard: High Voltage Electrical Systems Specialist. So pretty much I was an electrician. I did pretty much anything and everything that had to do with electricity other than anything on the aircraft. I worked on the airfield with high voltage, low voltage. My favorite was doing high voltage which is lineman work.

Hennepin Tech: And where were you stationed?

Lessard: I'm actually in the Reserves so I've been here in Minneapolis but I’ve been to many places with the Air Force.

Hennepin Tech: Did your military service assist you with paying for college?

Lessard: Yes, I used the GI Bill and that took care of most of it.

Hennepin Tech: Instead of becoming an electrician or a lineman which aligned to your job in the Air Force, you selected Medium Heavy Truck for your civilian career. Why did you change your focus?

Lessard: I actually wanted to do lineman stuff, but I got an injury in the military. And so I went to the next best thing. Knowing about electrical work did help me in my classes because we deal with electrical when we repair and maintain trucks.

Hennepin Tech: Medium Heavy Truck is one of the programs with 100% job placement. Tell us about hour job.

Lessard: I've actually been a mechanic and I-State Truck Center for the last year and a half. So I began working in my field prior to graduating.

Hennepin Tech: What do you enjoy most about your work?

Lessard: Pretty much I get to do a little bit of everything. Without the transportation industry, nothing really happens. You don't get any goods to your house or anything like that. So being able to actually be part of the industry and help with that, I know that it’s making a difference helping people get everything they need. Without a mechanic the trucks can't run.

About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. ;With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.