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Before joining Skillspire, Trey Schneider had already built a strong career as an Automation and Controls Engineer. He worked behind the scenes in manufacturing plants, programming systems that powered industrial operations. But it wasn’t traditional software development—his world was made up of ladder logic, not Python or JavaScript.
Yet even then, a spark had been lit.
“I was introduced to tech, and even though it was a different programming world, I realized I enjoyed that part of the job the most,” Trey shares.
That realization would eventually lead to a bold career pivot—and a new chapter that combined his love for problem-solving with a more sustainable lifestyle.
The Breaking Point: Choosing Work-Life Balance Over Burnout
Trey’s decision to transition out of his engineering role wasn’t just about professional growth—it was personal.
“I had no work-life balance at my previous job. I was on call 24/7. Anytime a plant went down, I had to be ready to respond immediately. It was high-stress and exhausting.”
Like many professionals across industries, Trey found himself searching for a healthier rhythm—one that aligned with both his skills and his values. He found that opportunity at Skillspire, where he joined the Full Stack Web Development program.
Learning to Code the Right Way
At Skillspire, Trey didn’t just learn modern programming languages—he reignited his passion for tech in an entirely new way.
“One of my favorite parts of the experience was the interview programming challenges at the start of each class. They pushed us to think critically and apply what we were learning immediately.”
Skillspire’s hands-on, job-focused approach gave Trey the tools to build real-world projects, gain confidence in structured programming, and prepare for interviews in a competitive market.
From Student to DoD Contractor: Building Tech for the U.S. Air Force
Today, Trey is thriving in a career he once only dreamed of. He now works as a Department of Defense contractor, helping to modernize the U.S. Air Force’s weather prediction systems by moving them to the cloud.
“We’re transitioning many of the Air Force's core weather products into cloud-based applications. I love my job, and the work-life balance is so much better now.”
His work directly contributes to the safety and preparedness of military operations—a mission that blends technical excellence with real-world impact.
Advice for Career Changers: Don’t Give Up, and Keep Showing Up
For anyone thinking about switching careers into tech, Trey offers this reminder:
“The job application process after graduation can be tricky and discouraging. But if you truly love programming, don’t give up. And network as much as possible. Every connection counts.”
Final Thoughts
Trey’s journey is a powerful example of how technical curiosity, resilience, and the right training can lead to life-changing opportunities. From ladder logic in industrial plants to cloud infrastructure for national defense, his story is a testament to the possibilities that open up when you decide to bet on yourself.
Inspired by Trey’s story? Learn how Skillspire can help you transform your career and unlock your potential in tech.
