Dale Quattrin Ph.D., the Engineering, Electronics, & Robotics instructor at the Allegan Area ESA Tech Center, has dedicated his career to equipping students with skills that prepare them for exciting careers in skilled trades. Through engaging projects and a passion for teaching, he opens students’ minds to the possibilities within engineering while fostering critical thinking and curiosity.
Quattrin’s journey in engineering began in high school with drafting, a skill that shaped his career. His experience extended through working in his father’s construction company, engaging in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis in graduate school, and teaching drafting and engineering for over 20 years. When asked about his transition to teaching at the Tech Center six years ago, he shared, “I moved to a more supportive situation after years of teaching drafting and engineering. I wanted to inspire students to consider engineering as a career.”
Teaching in today’s fast-paced world presents unique challenges. “One of the biggest challenges is keeping students engaged in this age of immediacy and distraction,” Quattrin explained. To combat this, he incorporates competitive, team-based projects that allow students to explore their interests while emphasizing collaboration and accountability. This hands-on approach not only reinforces essential skills but also reflects his diverse background, which allows him to connect students with topics relevant to engineering.
Quattrin’s role as a teacher extends beyond the classroom. He sees his work as a way to inspire students to pursue fulfilling careers that contribute to the community’s infrastructure, products, and systems. “Skilled trades are the foundation of local, regional, and national economies,” he said. “Those in skilled trades are responsible for the physical and digital infrastructures that allow economies at every level to function successfully.”
When asked what advice he would give to students considering a career in engineering, Quattrin emphasized the importance of developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and curiosity. “These traits are essential for anyone pursuing engineering,” he said. His hope is that his teaching will leave a lasting legacy, encouraging students to see the wonder in the world and their potential to shape its future.
His passion for teaching is evident in the impact he hopes to have on his students. “The legacy I hope to leave is that I influenced my students in a small way to see the wondrous world, past, present, and future, in which we live—and the contributions they can make to it.”
As a fun fact, Quattrin shared a unique experience from his time at Western Michigan University: working on a Native American archaeological site downstream from the Allegan Dam. It’s an example of the diverse and fascinating interests that continue to shape his teaching style.
With his focus on innovative projects, team collaboration, and inspiring curiosity, Quattrin’s work at the Tech Center exemplifies the transformative power of education in skilled trades. Through his dedication, students gain not just technical skills but also the confidence and vision to pursue fulfilling careers in engineering and beyond.