IT Student Finds Future in Mechatronics
Jul 14, 2026When Franklin Spangler first arrived at Rockingham Community College, he thought he knew exactly where his future was headed. An Information Technology associate degree felt like the logical path—steady, familiar, and rooted in his comfort zone. But along the way, Spangler discovered something that didn’t 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’t 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.
“I love it,” Spangler says simply about RCC. And it’s 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—a choice driven by curiosity and a growing desire to work more directly with machines.
“As soon as I heard about what mechatronics was,” he explains, “I figured out it was a little bit more of what I want to do—physically managing and fixing machines.”
For Spangler, the appeal of mechatronics lies in its hands-on nature. He describes the program in straightforward terms: “A lot of fixing, a lot of maintenance, and a lot of testing.”
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—wiring 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’t yet built robots from scratch, Spangler is already gaining experience wiring and programming existing systems—skills that mirror what he’ll see in modern manufacturing environments.
Though confident now, Spangler admits he had doubts at the beginning. “This program in particular, I was a bit afraid,” he says.
Coming in, he didn’t 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.
“Sometimes we just call after school and help each other with work,” he says.
That collaborative environment has shaped more than Spangler’s technical skill set. One of the biggest changes he’s noticed is in himself.
“Communication,” he says without hesitation, when asked what skills he’s gained. “Before now, I was not the most well-spoken with people.” Working in lab groups pushed him to speak up, ask questions, and explain ideas—skills that are essential in today’s team-based workplaces.
He’s 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.
“I thought it was a whole bunch of stuff I would have to get straight off the bat,” he says. “But with the IT degree, I’ve been able to slide my way into the knowledge.”
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’s been earning industry-recognized credentials—about half of the program’s 27 available certifications so far.
Looking ahead, Spangler sees a future far broader than the one he once imagined.
“Before mechatronics, I was planning to go into one building, stay there, fix computers,” he says. “Now I feel like I can do a whole lot more—go into much broader areas, fix bigger machines.”
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—keeping companies running efficiently and safely.
When asked what he’s most proud of, Spangler doesn’t point to a single project or certification. Instead, he reflects on personal growth. “I’ve grown to help other people, and grown to communicate,” he says.
And for anyone considering the program but feeling unsure, Spangler offers reassurance. “Just do not worry. You will not get shocked… too much,” he says with a chuckle. “It’s just an overall fun experience.”
For Franklin Spangler, Mechatronics at RCC didn’t just open doors—it 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 Rockingham Community College – such as HVAC, Computer-Integrated Machining, Electrical Systems, or Welding – can find out more information and apply for admission this summer or fall by visiting https://rockinghamcc.edu/programs/industrial-technologies-programs/ or calling the Admissions team at 336-342-4261 ext. 2333.
~By Gerri Hunt, Director of Public Information
