Joseph Reimer

About me

I was born/grew up in: I was born in Paris, Ontario, Canada, and moved to London, Ontario when I was 20 years old.

I now live in: London, Ontario, Canada

I completed my training/education at: Fanshawe College - Electrical Engineering Technology

What I do at work

My job duties vary day to day. But it almost always involves a PLC (industrial computer), a robot, or some other advanced technology. I work in a fast paced, challenging, always-changing environment. I always employ critical thinking, mathematics, programming, and design skills. Sometimes I am given instructions as to what to accomplish. At other times I have to decide what needs to be done. But I always have to figure out how to get there! I sometimes work in a team, sometimes as the leader, and sometimes I work alongside others on my own projects. I get to play with HUGE machines that put together cars and trucks, package food, and much more.

My career path is

I’ll be honest - in high school I was a slacker (and I regret it!). I had about 20 different ideas of what I wanted to do in life, and I went straight into the work-force after high school. I decided I wanted to know more about the electrical and electronic world all around us (e.g., cellphones, power lines, car computers, everything!). So I decided to study at Fanshawe College. But, before I could qualify to attend I had to upgrade my high school credits through the Independent Learning Centre. The college program I took was HARD (and it would have been easier if I studied harder in high school!). But it paid off! During my career (which has just started) I have worked in the Carolinas, Missouri, Kentucky, California, Ohio, and all over Ontario!

I am motivated by

I get really excited about all the different things I get to do! One day I might install and program a welding robot. The next day I could be designing a program to control a vehicle production line. Then I have my specialized tools for investigating electrical cabinets and measuring electronic signals. There is so much variety, and I am ALWAYS thinking on my feet, solving problems – big and small.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I get a lot of enjoyment out of facing very challenging puzzles, usually with a lot of time pressure to figure it out. Most of my work has been in automotive plants, where I help make sure that the vehicles on the road are well-built, and produced effectively.

Outside of work I

Outside of work I like to take care of my body and mind by going to the gym, skateboarding on ramps, and playing music.

My advice to others

It is not difficult to get into the field of industrial technology. But it is difficult to EXCEL. Learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable.