Tech degrees ‘open up doors — and don’t close any’ for family with four in instrumentation program

Tara Gilligan Reimer

Anna Brewer homeschooled her three children and now works in the insurance industry. But she also could be a spokesperson for vocational colleges that emphasize technical skills and direct job placements.

Next year, Anna’s husband, Jeremy, and their three children plan to graduate from the Bellingham Technical College instrumentation and control technology program.

“After graduation,” Anna said, “they will be ready to work immediately in the instrumentation field. Their instrumentation careers may not be lifelong. But they’ve learned skills that will benefit them in any career.”

Instrumentation and control technicians are in high demand because, as Jeremy points out, these experts are needed in every industry “from Paccar and Pepsi to refineries and McDonald’s.”

Technicians install, maintain and repair the instruments that make plants run.

Anna, in her most “challenging mission,” homeschooled all three children, with the support of the family’s faith community at Calvary Creekside Church in Everson. Like all parents, Anna and Jeremy wanted to help their kids with the “what’s next after high school” question. Anna’s uncle, whose own children graduated from BTC, steered the Brewer family toward exploring the program.

Twins Isaiah and Isaac, then 18 years old, enrolled in BTC’s instrumentation program. Jeremy, a self-described tinkerer and mechanical troubleshooter, thought, “I wish I had done that program.”

(Twenty years ago, he earned a BTC degree in mechanical engineering and then built a construction career in refineries, from Anacortes to Alaska.)

So, Jeremy enrolled, and 16-year-old Isabella joined the program, too. She is simultaneously completing high school and college credits through the Running Start program at BTC.

“We have a built-in study group,” joked Jeremy. And on a compelling note, both parents also raised children who are differentiated in their strengths and naturally engaging. In a reflective and rollicking group interview, every family member — collectively these four are racking up a 4.0 grade point average — offered up insight into the power of technical colleges.

Isaiah, now 19, cited the program’s hands-on work as his favorite part.

“I like the labs,” he said, proceeding to rattle off how to build a 24-volt power source with an electrical box, batteries and voltage regulator.

Isaac, also 19, was not shy about jumping into the conversation, jokingly disagreeing with his twin to say that his favorite part of the program is working in groups and getting to know other students — an important part of any workforce team. Isaac also explained another hands-on lab project: constructing a combination lock circuit for workplace security.

Their 16-year-old sister Isabella said she is the only female in her entire program. Even though math is not her favorite subject, she is logical.

“I love doing the write-ups on lab work,” she said. “I like putting together the reports, describing with words and pictures how processes work.”

Jeremy, ever the parent, spoke about the pragmatics of post-high school education.

“Finances are often the hardest part,” he said. “The school will help you find the funds through scholarships and financial aid — no matter what.”

Isabella added that technical college feels like “high school without the drama.” She added, “I’m not taking random classes. I’m doing exactly what is right for my career.”

For anyone exploring what happens after high school, the Brewer family offers a complete testimony. Jeremy summed it up: “It doesn’t matter where you start. If you like a program at BTC, you will find your way there.”