Bruce Valente

Bruce discovered a natural curiosity for how things work from the moment he started disassembling his Hot Wheels. What began as simple tinkering eventually grew into an interest in mechanisms and control systems that shaped his passion for mechatronics and automation.

Along the way, he found himself especially drawn to PLCs and microcontrollers, where he could see his ideas come to life in real-world applications. As his interest deepened, Bruce realized he wanted to keep pushing himself further, which led him to pursue more specialized learning at EIT. Building on this journey, this article takes a closer look at Bruce’s path to engineering wherein he shared some of his experiences that sparked his interest, the motivations behind his chosen field, and how his pursuit of learning continues to shape his career today.

Where It All Began

Bruce takes us back to the early moments that sparked his curiosity and laid the foundation for his journey in engineering.

When asked about what sparked his engineering interest and what he enjoys most about it, Bruce shared: “I’ve been interested in mechatronics and automation since I was a kid. I used to disassemble Hot Wheels and create a sort of automotive manufacturing to mimic the process of building a car. I love the idea of being able to design and make a process happen by controlling every important variable.” Building on this early passion, he also explained what led him to pursue the Professional Certificate of Competency in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) & SCADA Systems at EIT: “As a student, I realized that it was important for me to pursue further knowledge. EIT was mentioned by work friends of mine in the oil and gas industry. For that reason, plus my passion for PLCs, I decided to enroll in the program.”

Inside the EIT Experience

Bruce reflected on his time at EIT and shared what makes his experience at the institution meaningful. Speaking about what he appreciates most, he highlighted a variety of EIT’s learning opportunities.

When asked about this, he shared, “I appreciate the wide variety of courses available at the institution. Instrumentation, for example, is a course I am very interested in.” Looking back on his journey so far, he also shared some of his most memorable hands-on experiences: “I programmed a S7 1500 Siemens PLC and made a test station work; designed and built a pet feeder; and tested and debugged hardware.” Bruce went on to describe how EIT has influenced the way he approaches engineering and technology. When asked about this, he shared, “EIT taught me that certifications are very important in the field. I can’t count the number of times employers asked me to explain more about my EIT Certification.” When asked about applying the knowledge he has gained, he noted, “Yes, I’ve had the opportunity to apply PLC logic and HMI concepts from EIT in my Canadian college classes.”

Looking ahead, Bruce shared how EIT helps prepare students for the future: “Students learn more about trending technologies through EIT’s various webinars.”

From Challenges to Goals

Bruce’s journey into engineering wasn’t without its challenges, and he reflected on how these experiences shaped his growth.

When asked about the obstacles he faced, he shared, “When I first started working, I still needed to finish my high school credits to be able to apply for university. It was a tough process but being organized and having assignments done on time was key.” Balancing academics, career, and personal life can be demanding, and Bruce explained how he manages this. When asked about his approach, he said, “I give my all when I am working and studying. I make sure I have at least a day or two to relax and idealize future projects.” Looking ahead, he shared his goals and aspirations for his course. When asked about his plans, he noted, “I want to be an automation/ control engineer, solve real world issues, and contribute to the advancement of technology.” Bruce also offered words of encouragement for fellow EIT students, “Sometimes the only thing blocking us from pursuing our dreams is us. It’s important to change our mindset from ‘I’m not capable’ to ‘I can do this!’”

Bruce’s journey proves that curiosity and determination can turn a childhood fascination into a meaningful career. His story tells that with passion and having the right mindset, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.