IT Student Finds Future in Mechatronics
Jul 14, 2026When Franklin Spangler first arrived at 91大神, he thought he knew exactly where his future was headed. An Information Technology associate degree felt like the logical path鈥攕teady, familiar, and rooted in his comfort zone. But along the way, Spangler discovered something that didn鈥檛 just complement his IT background, it reshaped how he saw himself and his career: Mechatronics.
Spangler first enrolled at RCC after plans to attend NC State didn鈥檛 work out due to a late application. A recommendation from a high school teacher pointed him to RCC, and what began as a backup plan quickly turned into an opportunity that exceeded his expectations.
鈥淚 love it,鈥� Spangler says simply about RCC. And it鈥檚 clear he means more than just the campus.
After completing his associate in applied science degree in IT, Franklin made the decision to take on the Mechatronics Engineering Technology program鈥攁 choice driven by curiosity and a growing desire to work more directly with machines.
鈥淎s soon as I heard about what mechatronics was,鈥� he explains, 鈥淚 figured out it was a little bit more of what I want to do鈥攑hysically managing and fixing machines.鈥�
For Spangler, the appeal of mechatronics lies in its hands-on nature. He describes the program in straightforward terms: 鈥淎 lot of fixing, a lot of maintenance, and a lot of testing.鈥�
About 80 percent of the coursework is hands-on, something that plays directly to his strengths. While lectures and theory have their place, Spangler thrives in labs鈥攚iring panels, testing motors, managing cables, and working directly with industrial equipment.
Students rotate through multiple specialized spaces, including a robotics lab, motors room, electrical lab, and computer labs used for computer-assisted drawing (CAD) and engineering work. While he hasn鈥檛 yet built robots from scratch, Spangler is already gaining experience wiring and programming existing systems鈥攕kills that mirror what he鈥檒l see in modern manufacturing environments.
Though confident now, Spangler admits he had doubts at the beginning. 鈥淭his program in particular, I was a bit afraid,鈥� he says.
Coming in, he didn鈥檛 feel as mechanically experienced as some other students. Those fears faded quickly thanks to the support system around him. Instructors and classmates alike stepped in to help, whether during lab time or through study sessions after class.
鈥淪ometimes we just call after school and help each other with work,鈥� he says.
That collaborative environment has shaped more than Spangler鈥檚 technical skill set. One of the biggest changes he鈥檚 noticed is in himself.
鈥淐ommunication,鈥� he says without hesitation, when asked what skills he鈥檚 gained. 鈥淏efore now, I was not the most well-spoken with people.鈥� Working in lab groups pushed him to speak up, ask questions, and explain ideas鈥攕kills that are essential in today鈥檚 team-based workplaces.
He鈥檚 also surprised by how much he already knew coming into the program. His IT degree gave him a foundation that made the transition smoother than expected.
鈥淚 thought it was a whole bunch of stuff I would have to get straight off the bat,鈥� he says. 鈥淏ut with the IT degree, I鈥檝e been able to slide my way into the knowledge.鈥�
Finishing his first year in May, Spangler expects to complete the Mechatronics program within the next year to year and a half. Along the way, he鈥檚 been earning industry-recognized credentials鈥攁bout half of the program鈥檚 27 available certifications so far.
Looking ahead, Spangler sees a future far broader than the one he once imagined.
鈥淏efore mechatronics, I was planning to go into one building, stay there, fix computers,鈥� he says. 鈥淣ow I feel like I can do a whole lot more鈥攇o into much broader areas, fix bigger machines.鈥�
In an economy increasingly driven by automation and robotics, Spangler understands the value of his training. He sees mechatronics as a pathway not just to a job, but to a role supporting entire systems鈥攌eeping companies running efficiently and safely.
When asked what he鈥檚 most proud of, Spangler doesn鈥檛 point to a single project or certification. Instead, he reflects on personal growth. 鈥淚鈥檝e grown to help other people, and grown to communicate,鈥� he says.
And for anyone considering the program but feeling unsure, Spangler offers reassurance. 鈥淛ust do not worry. You will not get shocked鈥� too much,鈥� he says with a chuckle. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just an overall fun experience.鈥�
For Franklin Spangler, Mechatronics at RCC didn鈥檛 just open doors鈥攊t helped him discover how far he could go once he stepped through them.
Anyone who is interested in Mechatronics or other Industrial Technologies programs at 91大神 鈥� such as HVAC, Computer-Integrated Machining, Electrical Systems, or Welding 鈥� can find out more information and apply for admission this summer or fall by visiting /programs/industrial-technologies-programs/ or calling the Admissions team at 336-342-4261 ext. 2333.
~By Gerri Hunt, Director of Public Information
