From Incarceration to Inspiration: Robert’s Journey to a New Career
Robert Solis spent 27 years in prison in California, but within a year of his release, he was set to graduate from UEI College in Fresno and had already been hired to work full-time in his field of study.
“I just wanted to be good at my profession,” Robert said. “I don’t care to be the best, but I want to be someone anyone can look to and know that I know what I’m doing.”
After an online search led him to UEI, Robert knew it was the right place to get the training he needed to work in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry.
“I knew HVAC was a good trade ,” he said. “At UEI, if you need help, they will help you. It’s on you if you want to learn.”
Robert’s instructor, Louie Lopez, recognized his eagerness to learn. Robert had completed some school courses while incarcerated, but he had never had access to live instructors who shared their own knowledge and experiences. It was something he fully embraced at UEI.
“He spent a lot of time around the instructors,” Mr. Lopez said. “He often came to my office to talk. He shared his life story and how he wanted it to change. He was excited about the new technology and everything he was learning. We also talked about the importance of balance in life—it’s not just about being a good technician, but about being a good person.”
“I’m grateful for the attention to detail the instructors showed us in class,” Robert said. “Not everyone goes into the details or shares their field experiences. The curriculum teaches you one thing, but it doesn’t cover everything that can pop up unexpectedly in the field. Having those real-world insights from my instructors helped a lot.”
Robert’s dedication to learning led him to the top of his class. He earned his EPA certification before graduating, and when he heard about a job opening, he went for it. He was hired to work on industrial equipment, some of which was beyond the scope of what he’d learned at UEI. But Robert’s problem-solving skills helped him adapt quickly.
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“In industrial work, there are six components to the equipment, whereas in residential there are four, so it was a learning curve right away,” Robert explained. “I do what I can to learn as much as possible and work as hard as I can. I want to show the company I appreciate them taking a chance on me fresh out of school, and I want to be good at my profession.”
In addition to honing his problem-solving skills, Robert said that what he learned at UEI has enabled him to take on side jobs, furthering his knowledge in the field.
“In labs, you’re constantly practicing what you’ll be doing out in the field. It’s a great way to learn,” he said. “I appreciate all the support UEI has given me, even after I graduated. I can still call my instructors, and if they can help me out, they will. If they can’t, they know someone who can and will connect me.”
Now, nearly a year into his new career, Robert still visits UEI to share his experiences with students in the program.
“He’s doing great,” said Mr. Lopez. “He comes back with stories. He talks with students, telling them they don’t have to go down the path he did, but if they have and need a major change, he’s living proof that it’s possible and that there is life after such a situation.”
