For most of his career, Mike Siragusa worked in retail management, but his role evaporated as internet shopping and automation caused widespread industry change. Rather than retire, Mike decided to learn a trade. He was passionate about working with his hands and learning a specialized skill that could not be replaced by computers. Moreover, Mike was not ready to stop learning.

This is what led him to pursue an electric and electronic service degree at Lincoln Tech. Mike was immediately drawn to the diverse curriculum that Lincoln Tech offered in the field of electronics, data communications and fire control, and the preparation they offered candidates for certifications and full-time job placements, including their partnership with Johnson Controls. After attending a Johnson Controls seminar on campus, Mike quickly learned about the wide array of roles and available opportunities that he could apply his new skillset toward at the company.

Upon graduation, Mike was hired at Johnson Controls as a fire suppression technician in its Rockaway, N.J., branch. He was the first graduate hired by Johnson Controls as a result of the partnership that Lincoln Tech and Johnson Controls established to build the technical workforce of the future.

As a fire suppression technician, Mike focuses on special hazards and is responsible for maintaining, repairing and testing the intricate systems that protect data and server rooms, which are the backbone to business operations and technology. When these systems are not functioning properly, businesses lose money.

When Mike visits clients, he performs methodical tests to ensure systems are operational and information is being properly relayed the panel. He feels it’s his responsibility to ensure that in the case of an emergency, such as a fire, the suppression systems work properly to mitigate damage. Because water cannot be used in data and server rooms, fire suppression systems use chemical agents to reduce the potential of widespread damage. Once everything checks out, or a problem is identified, systems must be put back together to their original design.

Mike services clients throughout Rockaway, N.J., and the surrounding area and his days are spent onsite at client locations. While the job provides him with autonomy and allows him to manage his schedule and clients accordingly, he is backed by a team of eight other technicians. The team keeps in constant contact to discuss jobs, ask advice, problem-solve and work through issues together. This team comradery has been one of the most positive aspects of the job for Mike.

Still driven to learn as much as he can in his current role, Mike is thankful for the opportunities Johnson Controls has provided him to further build specialized skillsets. Mike has taken advantage of the opportunity to attend industry events, training sessions and trade conferences and appreciates connecting with Johnson Controls technicians throughout the county. When asked what he enjoys most about working for Johnson Controls, Mike said: “Their commitment to pay and invest in me as an employee, as an asset. I don’t take it lightly.”