An Indiana automotive parts advanced manufacturer is helping a student find her true passion in engineering through the Regional Opportunity Initiative’s UpSkill Work & Learn apprenticeship program in the Indiana Uplands region.

In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison sits down with Jefrie Polanco, a quality automation engineer at Allegion, to uncover his inspiring journey into Indiana’s advanced manufacturing sector. Jefrie shares his story of resilience, from facing personal loss to seizing opportunities in the tech field, ultimately finding fulfillment and success in his career. Through perseverance and a passion for learning, Jefrie demonstrates how embracing challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. 

5 Key Takeaways:

Seizing Opportunities: Jefrie’s decision to pursue an adult apprenticeship program, despite initial doubts, highlights the importance of taking chances and embracing new opportunities. 

Resilience and Perseverance: Facing setbacks and personal loss, Jefrie’s journey underscores the power of resilience and determination in achieving career goals. 

Passion for Learning and Adaptability: Jefrie’s early interest in coding, sparked by modifying his MySpace page, showcases the value of continuous learning and adaptability in a rapidly evolving tech industry. 

Teamwork and Communication: Working as a quality automation engineer, Jefrie emphasizes the significance of effective teamwork and communication to deliver high-quality results. 

Faith in the Journey: Jefrie’s story inspires listeners to have faith in their career journeys, trusting in themselves and embracing the process of growth and development to achieve their dreams. 

To learn more about the TechPoint Adult Apprenticeship Program, visit https://techpoint.org/adult-apprenticeship/ 

For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi.

Learn how Desiree Lambert discovered a job she loves in manufacturing military and industrial parts.

Hear from Kyle Varble, who uses his supply chain management degree to procure materials that build helicopters for the U.S. military at Rolls-Royce.

Ariel Relf talks about her role as a digital communications specialist at Cummins.

Hear how one Caterpillar employee turned a love of “taking parts and turning them into something” into a job.


Just because you’re in a math- or science-based field doesn’t mean you can’t still exercise your creativity. See how Mary Jutzi created a children’s book to explain the manufacturing field in simple terms—and draw future workers into the field. Read the full article and explore what a creative job in STEM can look like.

Are you interested in solving real-world problems through the use of technologies, science and hardware? If so, you might want to learn more about hardtech and what kinds of opportunities are here in Indiana for a bunch of different types of jobs and ways to create solutions across multiple industries.

Collaborative manufacturing leads to greater innovation. See how Smoker Craft Inc. partnered with Guide Engineering to create and deploy an innovative robotic welding system that changed the game for advanced manufacturing in Indiana. Read on to learn more, and see yourself in the advanced manufacturing and robotics industries.

In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison explores the inspiring journey of Rickie Crawley Jr., Operations Manager at IBC Materials and Technologies. Hailing from Gary, Indiana, Rickie shares his evolution from a chemistry-focused student to an influential figure in Indiana’s defense industry. The episode delves into the importance of networking, the transformative power of education, and the impact of diverse leadership in the defense sector.

5 Key Takeaways:

Diverse Leadership in Defense: Rickie highlights the diversity within his company, emphasizing that the defense industry welcomes individuals from various backgrounds, challenging common misconceptions.

The Power of Networking: From high school to college fraternity life, Rickie stresses the significance of networking in building relationships, fostering personal growth, and accessing opportunities.

Adaptability and Career Shifts: Rickie’s journey underscores the value of adaptability, as he navigated a shift from laboratory work to people and procedure development, eventually earning an MBA to enhance his leadership skills.

Innovation in Indiana: The episode showcases Indiana’s role in cutting-edge defense technologies, focusing on IBC’s work in creating corrosion-resistant missile rails for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy.

Legacy and Life Rules: Rickie shares his perspective on legacy, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal, professional, and spiritual goals. He encourages listeners to define their legacy and strive for excellence.

For more resources on the jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit https://www.cicpindiana.com/syi.