Meet The Pro: Lando Newton, Shop Service Technician
By Arkansas Next on Monday, October 21, 2024
Hometown: Greenbrier
Age: 21
Where I Trained: Associate degree in Agriculture Equipment Technology; technical certificate in Agriculture Systems & Controls; certificate of proficiency in Advanced Mechatronics; and certificate of proficiency in Mechatronics at Arkansas State University-Beebe
Job Title: Shop Service Technician
Employer: Stribling Equipment
Lando Newton knew that he wanted to become a diesel technician most of his life, but shadowing a local heavy equipment service shop in eighth grade sold him on the career forever.
He grew up working for his dad’s tree service in Greenbrier, running the wood splitters, sawmills and other machinery, and loves a project where he can work and learn with his hands.
“Along with having a project truck as my first truck, on my 16th birthday, my dad threw me the keys and said if you get it running it's yours. So I did just that,” Lando said. “But I always liked to tinker and fix things no matter what it was. Doing these things growing up taught me hard work and there will always be a new challenge.”
While in school at Arkansas State University-Beebe, Lando was completing classes during the day and working at the local dealership applying the skills he was learning in school.
Lando was diagnosed with dyslexia, so spending half of his time in the classroom and the other half in the shop working with his hands was the perfect learning experience for him.
“...It gave me a good compromise,” Lando said. “It's always hands-on and something new every time.
While Lando was able to jump into his career after two years of college, his peers are still completing their degrees at four-year universities. Not only can he pay his bills, but he also owns a ¾-ton truck, commuter car and a project truck that is fully paid and insured—all with money left over to put towards his retirement and a future home.
"This career is set apart because not only will people always need equipment to be fixed, there is new technology that comes with it and always new things to learn, he said.
"Keep your head up and keep working..."
MORE ABOUT THE JOB
Education Needed:
High School Diploma
You'll Be Great At This Job Too If...
- You were Tonka Truck- and Hot Wheels-obsessed as a kid
- You like to stay in-the-know about the latest cars and trucks
- Getting paid while you train would be beneficial
- You enjoy DIY projects and have a reputation for being handy
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Job Demand
► Employment is projected to increase 6% by 2030.
► 4,130 Diesel Engine Technicians are expected to be employed in Arkansas by 2030.
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$65,620 Annual
Median wages in Arkansas (top 50%)
$48,930 Annual
WHERE TO LEARN
- Arkansas State University Mid-South
- Arkansas State University-Beebe
- Arkansas State University-Newport
- East Arkansas Community College
- Greenway Equipment
- Northwest Technical Institute
- Peak Innovation Center (Fort Smith Public Schools)
- University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
- University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
WHERE TO WORK
- Cranford Asphalt
- Granite Mt. Quarries
- Greenway Equipment
- McGeorge Contracting
- Stribling Equipment
Sources: careeronestop.org
