A career to support a family
“I had been studying music at a junior college in California, then at the University of Southern California, but when I visited my family in Tacoma, I also met my future wife, Yukiko. We married in 1977," smiled Eddy.
As a husband and new stepfather, "I was looking for something practical, a career where I could support my family,” he said.
That’s when his engineer uncle Arthur Anderson told Eddy about the concrete technician program at Bates, which took students approximately 18 months to complete.
Learning the trade
Focused on studying while also working part time, Eddy earned his certificate as an inspector after just 13 months.
“I was incredibly motivated to get trained and land a job,” recalled Eddy. “I got my first job based on a recommendation from my instructor, Bob Cook, and I worked there for over six years before moving onto jobs at the City of Tacoma, Kitsap County and City of Seattle, before landing one in Pierce County Planning and Public Works, initially as a lab technician in a materials lab,” he smiled.
Reflecting on career, education
Working in the engineering field yielded a long and successful career for Eddy.
“I value the time I spent at Bates all those years ago, and I wanted to share my experience with others so they know and understand the value and benefits of a technical education.”
When he retired last year as a Pierce County Development Engineering Inspector, Eddy reflected on his 40-year career as a civil construction inspector, and said, “I credit Bates Technical College with getting started in my rewarding career.”
Congratulations on your retirement, Mr. Eddy!
