Robert Brooks

Robert Brooks

Robert Brooks

City and state: Ridgecrest, CA

High school attended: Clover Park High School

Graduation year: 1985

Colleges attended/degrees earned:

  • Associate of Science in Welding Technology
  • Associate of Arts Liberal Arts
  • Associate of Arts Humanities from Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, CA

Current career/job:

Aircraft Structural/Hydraulic Mechanic/Painter

Describe the path you took from high school graduation to where you are today:

I attended Clover Park Vocational Technical Institute (Clover Park Technical College) for a year before joining the U.S. Navy. I served 20 years in aviation performing many jobs including aircraft mechanic, quality assurance, safety and as an instructor.

How did your experiences in Clover Park School District help prepare you for this path?

The knowledge gained by the classes at Clover Park High School gave me a good rounded background to grow on. The social skills and the way the school taught me to think and figure out situations and scenarios have been priceless.

Who was the most influential teacher or administrator to you as a student in the district? Why?

Mr. Reasons. He had a way of creating an equal playing field no matter the student. He showed students how to find a way to connect with each person so they could open up and reach their potential.

Do you have any favorite memories from when you attended school in Clover Park School District?

I have many fun memories - from the fun of attending great football games on campus to the many lifelong friends I made during my time there. One which sticks with me in odd ways is when the teachers were on strike and how it affected the students, faculty and community.

What opportunities exist in your career sector for new graduates? Is postsecondary education required for this field?

There are many great opportunities in my field for students however some secondary education would be required. For me, I began my training in the Airframes and Powerplant courses at Clover Park Vocational Technical Institute in 1985 and continued in the Navy. However, there are many trade schools which would be able to provide the required entry level education required to be an aircraft maintainer.