Twenty-five years ago, Rick McLachlin would have never imagined himself within the niche world of broadband trade work. But today, he's a nationally-awarded technician.
McLachlin has experience across many areas of the trade, most recently working on a fiber network team with Comcast.
We spoke with McLachlin at the SCTE Cable-Tec Games, a national competition bringing together techs from across the country who have advanced from regional competitions. It was McLachlin's first time competing at the event — he took second place.
"This career has afforded me the opportunity to have ever-evolving change, which is a good thing. It keeps you challenged and learning and excited, and it's never the same thing. There's lots of opportunities to go places and do different things," he explained.
McLachlin has always been an advocate for trade work and vocational careers. "There's so much value in certain trades... it's a great space to be in," he said, citing many friends and coworkers who have worked up to management and senior roles without a college degree.
"25 years ago, I would have never looked at this as a career because, going into it, I didn't see the bigger picture. But I will tell you this, my oldest daughter is in the industry. She got her start because of watching dad. I know a lot of multi-generational situations like that, within the company I work for and others. That speaks volumes."
Watch the full interview above.
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