Cameron finds a strong foundation on his path to becoming a journeyman

If there’s one thing that drives Apprentice Technician Cameron M., it’s his motivation to learn new things. Continuously. 

After graduating from Mayfair High School in 2013, Cameron went to Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) school with the goal of becoming a firefighter. Two and a half years in, he found the EMT work rewarding, yet grueling — 24-hour shifts were the norm — and Cameron was ready to start a new career that stemmed from his hobby of working on engines. “I work on my jeep all the time,” he said. “I like to go off-roading. That's where I got into engines.”

However, his interest in engines didn’t only come from a Jeep; it also runs in the family. “My grandpa was a diesel mechanic. He made me want to pursue it as a possible career path,” he said, and he began doing just that. As an Apprentice Technician with a goal to become a full journeyman, he loves that there’s always something new to work on because it makes his brain “think a little bit more to figure out what the issue could be.” In addition, he knows it doesn’t hurt that this problem-solving mindset “keeps the days going by faster, too.”

Not that the days drag along at a place like Cummins. Cameron said, “I've been doing this for six years now and have no complaints. I love going to work.” After starting his day in a morning team huddle with a hot coffee in hand, he begins doing a variety of tasks: conducting safety analyses, assembling engines, repairing damaged parts, troubleshooting electrical issues, and more. 

He compares his day-to-day to being a general contractor — he has to know a lot to solve any problem that arises, which is why he values working for a company that encourages professional development. “I’m always looking to expand my knowledge and how things work,” Cameron said. 

“Cummins sent me up to San Leandro, California to one of our other branches. For five weeks, one week at a time, we worked on different segments, starting with understanding electrical basics. Then I had one for mid-range engines, one for heavy-duty engines, one for natural gas engines, and another for diagnostics.” With access to this training, as well as an inside look at beta-tested engines that stay ahead of the next emissions curve, Cameron feels like he’s always one step ahead of the competition.

Still, as appealing as this continuous learning is, he also realizes there’s more to a well-rounded, well-balanced career than professional development alone. And he’s found a lot of those aspects in his role over the past six years, including a friendly, highly collaborative environment. “There’s no hesitation when it comes to teamwork,” he said. “I’m always surrounded by positive feedback and individuals who have a positive outlook.” 

Cameron also feels valued as an employee outside of work, where he has a growing family. “Cummins is employee-centered,” he said. “I just had my 12-week leave for my first child, and Cummins was willing to work with me on getting time to spend with my family. It was very special.”

As a new dad, Cameron admits that he has to practice patience, a virtue that seems like it might be a strong base for reaching his future goals. “I look at my grandpa, he is the staple of our family.” His grandpa — someone who has acted as a catalyst for Cameron’s life-changing career. Someone who motivated Cameron to push himself in his personal and professional life. His lasting impact seems clear.

“I want to be that staple,” he said. “I want to be that foundation.”