Q&A with Clayton Spinler
EICC Industrial & Manufacturing Technology Training Instructor
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m married and have two kids, five and six-years old. I’ve worked in industry as a maintenance technician repairing cranes, lasers, CNC, and steel roll mills.
What inspired you to get into your field?
I was always fixing everything: my home, computers, cars, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. I thought industrial maintenance was a good field where I could expand. Fixing and troubleshooting problems is something I gravitate toward.
What do you enjoy most about training?
What I enjoy most is the interaction with the class. I’ve sat through enough dry lectures to be glad that I don’t have to teach that way. I enjoy seeing the moment when the concepts we’re working on click with students and everything starts to make sense.
What message would you like to share with businesses?
When I was working in industry as an employee, I knew what training I needed to become better at my job. Ask your employees what kind of training they would like so they can help your business succeed.
What safety training does EICC have in the works?
One project I am currently working on is a hands-on Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training station. LOTO refers to the process of isolating and locking energy sources before equipment is serviced, helping protect workers from injuries caused by unexpected startup or the release of stored energy. Since LOTO violations are among the most common OSHA citations in manufacturing, it is a critical skill for workers to learn and practice.
Can you share a recent success story?
I had a student enroll in an Introduction to CNC class after he was laid off by a large local employer. I recently ran into him at the farmer’s market and he is now employed and doing really well. It’s so rewarding to see our students succeed.