Gustavo Reyes was born in Mexico City and came to Milwaukee in 1999; like most immigrants, he came in search of a better life. In 2000, Gustavo arrived at MATC with only one thing in mind – he was determined to do whatever it took to learn English, get a degree and hopefully a good job.

He started by getting his GED and taking ESL classes so he could attend college, and he did. From 2000 to 2005 he attended the Industrial Engineering program at MATC.

It was never easy. “The first two years I had to work as a gardener for long and heavy hours while going to school at the same time.” He then added, “But thanks to this wonderful institution [MATC], the instructor’s professionalism, and the knowledge I was getting from my classes, I was able to find a better job two years later.”

In 2002, Reyes started working as an assembler for Tramont Corporation, one of the largest and most experienced manufacturers of UL Listed diesel fuel day tanks and sub-base tanks for industrial engine generators. Slowly, and while continuing with his education at MATC, he was soon promoted to assistant supervisor.

“I am a leader, I always have been,” he says proudly. “I was putting all my heart into this job, and then I became a supervisor.”

Today, Gustavo Reyes, who is only 27 years old, is a process engineer for Tramont Corporation the nation’s leading supplier to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). He said “I’m my own boss now and my job is to design the product for different programs such as Auto Cad, Solid Edge, Pronest, Exel, etc. Thanks to MATC, the sacrifices I made, and with the support of my family, I now have opportunities in this wonderful country that I never dreamed of before.

“My advice to MATC students is to never give-up on your dreams.” He adds that, “There are so many opportunities in this country, but the most important thing is to get your education so you are prepared when opportunity presents itself.