Dan has worked as a TRAX Electromechanic for the past 12 years. Throughout his life, Dan has always enjoyed hands-on work and has worked various jobs but ultimately found being a TRAX Electromechanic the most rewarding.
Growing up in Nephi, Utah, Dan enjoyed a childhood of hunting, fishing and baseball. His dad commuted to work at a power plant and his mom worked at the local high school.
After graduating, he received a scholarship to UVU to explore electrical automation and robotics. After obtaining an AAS degree in Electrical Automation and Robotics Technology and completing an additional year towards a bachelor's degree in Technology Management he decided to pursue a different route and worked various jobs framing, wiring houses, plumbing and working on mining machinery. “None of these jobs truly made me happy,” stated Dan. “I wanted something better, and I was tired of working in harsh working conditions.”
Dan’s brother, Zac, was working in operations at FrontRunner and told him he should work for UTA. “I decided to give it a chance, and worked for a year and a half in the Line and Signal Department,” states Dan. “However, I jumped back into the construction industry building a hospital in Tooele. Once again, I was reminded of how cold it is to work in the harsh winters and decided to go back to UTA.”
Since returning to UTA, Dan has worked for the past 12 years as a TRAX Electromechanic. He has been heavily involved in establishing an apprenticeship program for light rail vehicle maintenance. “I love the diversity of work I get at UTA every day. I am troubleshooting, inspecting, repairing, running the floor as a lead, participating with several committees and training the next generation of mechanics. I get to meet almost every new employee and see them achieve their goals,” says Dan.
Why did you become a UTA Electromechanic?
“I loved fixing things growing up. I always wanted a job that was more active. That’s why I went into the electrical field. I didn’t care for auto mechanic work growing up because cars and trucks were awkward and uncomfortable to work on. I love learning about electricity and getting past the mystery part of it and really learning how it works. Working on electric trains allows me to learn even more about electricity and to be hands-on with it. I truly believe electricity will continue to play a bigger and more important role in the future of cars, trains, and buses.”
What skills or training do you need to become a mechanic?
“I believe a good mechanic needs a background in electrical or car mechanics. However, you can start as a service employee and learn those skills on the job as a helper, apprentice or A-Level mechanic without any schooling. Trainers like me can help you learn the skills to become a mechanic.”
What do you love about UTA?
“I love the diversity of work, training other employees, participating on committees, filling a lead role and developing apprenticeship programs. I get to do a lot of different things for my job. UTA also has some of the state's best medical, dental and retirement benefits. I get up to five weeks of vacation to spend time doing what I love to do. UTA is one of the only companies I have worked at that lets family come first.”
Why should someone work for UTA?
“You don’t need any prior experience to work as a mechanic. We can train you. Plus, we have great benefits, good pay, time off and a pension plan. We also offer many opportunities to move and shift into different jobs all over the company.”
Learn More
If you love working with your hands, problem-solving or fixing broken things then you will love working as a mechanic. Apply here to work alongside individuals like Dan and to take advantage of UTA’s benefits.