President of Birclar Talks Electro-Mechanical Industry and Why Training Matters

Kevin Toor, the president of Birclar Electric and Electronics, has dedicated years to serving the automotive industry. Specializing in industrial services, Birclar Electric and Electronics primarily focuses on electrical and electro-mechanical repairs in high- and medium-voltage settings. From equipment used in processes and utilities to municipal repairs, there's an extensive range of services provided.

Kevin’s journey in this business began soon after college. As he moved through various positions, particularly in sales, he gained a deep understanding of customer needs. His time spent on the shop floor doing repair work, engaging with computer work during the infancy of the computer industry, and focusing on customer relations has shaped his comprehensive background.

With the experience he possesses and having worked closely with many of our students, Kevin has some great insights into the industry and what it takes to succeed, which he shares below.

The Benefits of Hands-On Training

Because Birclar is working with medium-to-high voltage, safety and ground-level knowledge are critical. That’s why Kevin and his company look for graduates of our program because they tend to have a strong grasp of OSHA requirements.¹

Hands-on exposure combined with theoretical components can also provide students with a well-rounded education. Because our programs offer real-world examples of mechanical and electrical components that graduates may encounter in the field, it can help our graduates stand out to companies like Birclar against others without technical training, as Kevin tells us.

“I think by getting hands-on exposure, you get the theoretical components in the classroom and then they have a lot of good examples of things that you’ll find in industry in their actual location,” he shares. “If you don’t have that good base knowledge of electricity... it can be very dangerous at the voltage levels we deal with.”

The Qualities Birclar Looks for When Hiring

It’s essential for potential hires to be mechanically inclined, of course. According to Kevin, though, there are other characteristics that can help set you apart when interviewing for employment opportunities.

“A good attitude, interested in learning new things, open to new ideas are all things we look for,” shares Kevin. “Also willing to try new things that they maybe haven’t done, a good confidence in what their skill level is no matter what it is.”

Kevin also tells us that having a goal to get the job right the first time is something that can not only help in the interview process but to succeed in your career path as well.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

While this industry is hard work, it's also highly rewarding, as Kevin tells us, offering opportunities for advancement and financial growth.⁶

New hires at Birclar often start in a "helper mode," assisting experienced technicians. As they gain experience, they learn testing and calibration, eventually moving into supervisory roles where they lead crews. With continued education, employees could evolve into specialists or consultants with an engineering background.

For those interested in this industry, Kevin advises you to set your goals and don’t be afraid to aspire.

“We like people that are really interested in excelling and advancing, starting from the ground floor, so to speak,” says Kevin. “And then they learn in different steps safely with a variety of experienced mentors that we have here and they’re able to climb the ladder and grow with us or grow in other areas.”

The industry offers opportunities for a wide range of people, from seasoned engineers to aspiring technicians. This diversity allows for a collaborative environment to solve complex customer problems. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a technician in a field similar to this, training can be what helps set you apart.

To learn more about these programs, you can check out our robotics & automation or automotive technician program pages.