Metallica Scholar sees value in earning multiple degrees

“I get to say I’m a Metallica Scholar now, and not many people can say that,” said ECTC student and Fall 2026 Metallica Scholar Christian Alexander Janes. “This was out of the blue. I’m grateful and thankful.” 

Janes, who already has earned an associate in applied science in electrical technology from ECTC, is now working toward completing degrees in industrial maintenance and computerized manufacturing and machining. He was selected as a Metallica Scholar by Willie Weakley, industrial maintenance program coordinator for ECTC’s Springfield Campus.

“Christian sees the value of earning multiple degrees in today’s modern manufacturing environment,” Weakley said. “He’s very ambitious.”

Janes recently applied to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and plans to get his journeyman’s license.

“I really want to do electricity in today’s modern world. It’s the best job security you can have,” he said.  

Janes said his grandfather, a registered electrician, is his motivation to succeed.  

“He’s one of the coolest people I know,” he said. “He’s retired now and has a garage filled with tools and materials and just makes stuff. He builds art structures, like a tree made from copper wire, knives, and a sword. He let me weld when I was about 8 and I thought it was so cool.”

In addition to being inspired by his grandfather, Janes also chose the technical path because he enjoys troubleshooting, finding the origin of a problem and solving it.  

“I like wiring a system according to a diagram, turning it on and it works perfectly. Then if it doesn’t work, finding the origin of the problem and solving it,” he said. “Plus, the worst thing I can think of is sitting behind a desk for the rest of my life.”