As a project engineer for McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., EVIT alum Allistar Machacek, 25, enjoys working in the construction industry where every day brings new and rewarding challenges.
“I never have a day that is close to being the same as the day before,” he said. “I’ve had days where I would start in the office working on coordinating the different systems of the project in a model and end up flying drones and taking pictures of the same project that I was looking at earlier on. The industry has always allowed me to take on as much responsibility as I am willing to take while giving me a very comfortable lifestyle.”
Machacek attended the East Valley Institute of Technology in the 2013-14 school year, taking Construction his first semester, and then switching to Precision Machining for the spring semester.
“I was drawn to the Construction program as I figured I would learn about a lot of different trades that could give me a better idea of what I would like to study in college,” he said. “I eventually decided that I also wanted to try the Precision Machining program if I decided to study engineering or get involved in manufacturing.”
Construction Technologies and Precision Machining are two of more than 40 career training programs offered at EVIT for high school students and adults. They are part of an industrial trades career cluster that prepares students for high-demand, well-paying jobs.
After EVIT, Machacek went on to work for AeroSpec, Inc., a local equipment engineering and manufacturing company, as a machinist intern. He continued to work at AeroSpec while attending Arizona State University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in construction management.
“The skills I learned at EVIT had a big impact by allowing me to get a good job out of high school and pay for my living expenses while going to college,” he said.
Machacek worked as a digital lab technician in the ASU Herberger Design School before moving on to internships at Entellus Inc., and AECOM Hunt. At McCarthy Building Companies, he started out as a VDC (Virtual Design & Construction) Engineer before becoming a Project Engineer with the company last September.
“I manage many of our mechanical and plumbing trade partners and work closely with our design team to keep the project on schedule, under budget, and at the best quality we can achieve,” he said.
He also finds time to mentor EVIT students and share his experience. McCarthy is a sponsor and donor to the EVIT Construction program.
“Whether it is a trade that you want to learn or a way to get some experience before college, EVIT makes both of those options possible,” he said. “It’s a great way to get a head-start in your education or work experience – and companies just like my own value that in someone coming out of high school.”
Eventually, Machacek would like to become a construction project manager. But he added, “If I were to ever change careers, EVIT provided me the basic skills and knowledge I would need to pursue something else that I enjoy.”
EVIT students have a 98% high school graduation rate, two out of three go on to college and 94% are in jobs related to their training, college or the military within a year of completing their program. Enrollment for 2022-23 is under way. Start the process at www.evit.com/enroll.
Allistar’s Career Path
- Studied Construction and Precision Machining at EVIT in 2013-14
- Interned at AeroSpec, Inc.
- Earned bachelor of science degree from ASU
- Worked at Herberger Design School and interned at Entellus, Inc., and AECOM Hunt
- Currently a Project Engineer for McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
- Future plans: Become a project manager in the construction industry
Get started on a career while in high school:
How to enroll in high school programs at EVIT:
- Complete and submit application online at www.evit.com/enroll
- Parents/legal guardians of new students will need an active email account to access and use the online registration system
- Upload attendance record, discipline record, current unofficial transcripts and proof of immunizations
- Admissions office will inform students via email once application is approved or if more information is needed
- EVIT is for all high school students – public, charter, private or home-schooled – who reside in one of 11 East Valley school districts: Apache Junction, Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Higley, J.O. Combs, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Tempe
- More information: Call (480) 461-4108
How to enroll in adult programs at EVIT:
- Schedule appointment to meet with an advisor by calling (480) 461-4110
- Complete online application form at www.evit.com/enroll
- Tuition rates vary by program. Apply for financial aid by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov and using school code 035723
- Send questions about financial aid to [email protected]
- More information: Call (480) 461-4110