Finding My Path: How Cummins helped me turn a passion into a career

“Since high school, I knew I wanted to work on engines, and Cummins made that possible for me,” Faith F., a technician at Cummins, says. “I was able to learn on the job, build confidence in my skills and move up in the technician world.”

When Faith completed her Marine Service Technology program at her local community college in 2020, she was eager to launch her career in the trades. But despite her technical education, breaking into the industry proved difficult.

“With little professional experience, it was hard to find a company that would hire me on and offer fair compensation,” Faith recalls.

She spent the next year and a half researching her options—determined to find a company that aligned with her goals. That persistence paid off when she discovered an ad for the Cummins Technician Apprentice Program (TAP). The offering—paid training, full-time benefits, a college degree and a professional tool package—was exactly the opportunity she had been searching for.

Even more impactful was the sense of loyalty she saw in those already at Cummins.

“During the interview process, I spoke with multiple people from all over the country who had worked with Cummins for 15+ years,” she says. “I then took an in-person tour of the branch I would be working at and spoke with multiple technicians who planned on retiring with Cummins. The loyalty those employees had to the company really stuck out and reassured me this was a great place to work.”

Faith joined Cummins in September 2022, and the Technician Apprentice Program soon became the launchpad for a fulfilling career.

After completing the TAP program, Faith took a leap toward expanding her technical knowledge and advancing her career—accepting a transfer to the Kenner, Louisiana branch, where she currently works as an Engine Field Service Technician – Level II.

Her day-to-day work now includes field troubleshooting and repairs on a wide range of engine platforms and configurations, spanning industries and locations throughout the region.

“As a field technician, I spend most of my time on roads of Louisiana taking service calls when customers need us,” she explains. “Some days I am working at chemical plants on fire water pumps, and other days on boats along the Mississippi River.”

Marine work is one of her favorite aspects of the job. “Marine work on large vessels and taking boat rides to barges is something I consider a ‘cool factor’ of the job,” she says.

The shift from shop-based work to field service has also expanded her exposure to high-horsepower engines and large power generation equipment. While her schedule can be unpredictable,— she enjoys the variety and independence the field offers.

“I feel like I am making an impact in the world, and not just myself, but all technicians,” she shares. “We keep on-highway and marine transportation moving. We also keep back-up power generation and fire suppression systems functioning, ultimately ensuring the assist or prevention of catastrophes.”

Beyond the mission, Faith finds deep satisfaction in the work itself. “The best part about showing up to work every day is that I have the ability to learn and receive satisfaction from my job,” she says. “I love that I can fix something with my own skills and build great relationships with my customers.”

These experiences have strengthened Faith’s confidence in her future at Cummins—and in the company’s investment in its people.

“I’ve seen many colleagues move into higher positions,” she says. “From service advisor into a supervisor position. From technician to supervisor. Supervisor into branch manager. With the training and encouragement from the company, there is no doubt that the career possibilities are endless within Cummins.”

For now, Faith is focused on building her experience in the field. She continues to receive mentorship and hands-on training from her supervisors, who pair her with experienced technicians on complex engine repairs. “Currently, my supervisors send me with other technicians to assist in repairs on high horsepower engines to help me gain the knowledge I relocated for.”

To anyone considering a career at Cummins—Faith offers a clear recommendation: Go for it!
“Cummins has empowered my career in many ways,” she says. “I’ve been blessed to work with fantastic teams, grow in knowledge and build a career I’m proud of. There’s no better feeling than knowing you’re part of something that makes a real difference—and knowing your company is behind you every step of the way.”