What is your name and job title?

John P. Ord, Teacher

Describe job requirements and tools you are required to have:

2 Masters in Technical Education and School Administration, administering at a technical school. Former Occupations –Diesel Mechanic, graduate of Engine City Tech in Union, NJ

What kind of experience do you have (training, on the job, military)? How much would you recommend others have?

12 years of painting and paperhanging, 15 years of Diesel Mechanics & teaching truck mechanics, 30 years of Vocational Education,10 yrs. teaching Truck Mechanics, 10 years as a CIE/ Apprenticeship coordinator, 10 years Admin.

What made you decide to enter your particular field of work?

Family influences

What kind of education is required or would you suggest?

Technical and academics combined to post-secondary level.

How long did your trade education take to accomplish? Is continuing education required?

Engine City Tech 18 mos. OJT as a painter and Mechanic

Are there special skills one needs to enter your field of work?

Started with a good attitude and enjoyed hands-on work. The rest just followed.

Do you remember your first day on the job? Describe it for us.

Too Long ago

Briefly describe your typical day & hours worked, challenges, etc.

School Admin- long days, early until late. Working with grades 9 thru 12, very challenging, very rewarding.

What was the best advice you received about your job and trade?

If you don’t get to work on time, don’t bother coming in at all (from my grandfather when painting houses). During the depression, the only ones who had jobs were the teachers (from my father who was a steam fitter).

What advice would you give to someone interested in entering your trade?

Show up on time and be prepared to get dirty.

What is the best thing about your job or what do you like the most?

For the last ten years I have been working at a technical school that has combined college prep academics with technical/vocational education. Seeing the self-esteem of the graduates is great.