OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – As part of the “Trade up” series, Oakland Community College introduces Breia Roberts, a young mother who didn’t just switch careers, she changed the trajectory of her life.
Roberts found a new future in a field she never imagined for herself: inside the CNC lab at OCC’s Auburn Hills campus.
“I went to Oxford High School and did an OTEK campus there,” Roberts said. “I ended up graduating, having two kids, and working in retail, and I didn’t like that.”
Through Michigan Works, she discovered OCC’s short-term CNC program.
Just six weeks later, she landed a job at Williams International, a company that builds military and commercial turbine engines.
“They ended up having a career fair here, and I ran into the apprenticeship person. I walked up to him. I’m not a talker,” Roberts said. “Honestly, I did not imagine I would be doing something like this. I come from a huge family of entrepreneurs, so I didn’t think this would be my path.”
Joe Petrosky, OCC’s vice chancellor for economic and workforce development, explained that CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, referring to machines that use computerized control systems to manufacture products.
“It’s the backbone of manufacturing, so it’s a good career path,” said Petrosky.
Roberts’ job turned into an apprenticeship. She’s now working full-time and earning a good income while building her career.
Looking ahead, Roberts said, “In five years, I see myself as an engineer.”
But her biggest goal is to show her two young daughters what’s possible.
“It’s been times where I wanted to give up. And I think I’m teaching them. I think I’m being superwoman for them. I want them to know they can do anything they put their mind to,” Roberts said.