Anchors Aweigh: Metallica Scholars Initiative helps Navy Veteran Set Sail on his Future

Before deciding to make a life change and before becoming a Metallica Scholar, Robert Blackowski – Valencia College Accelerated Skills Training Industrial Automation Technician - Mechatronics graduate – served on submarines as a machinist mate in the United States Navy.?

Blackowski dutifully donned his digital camouflage Navy hat in class while working towards his new career in manufacturing. The hard work he put forth during the 22-week program landed him a position at Coca Cola as an industrial maintenance technician.?

But, before his journey from Valencia College to Coca Cola, Blackowski’s service in the Navy set the stage for his future.

“As a machinist mate I dealt with the mechanical systems inside of submarines. I mostly dealt with mechanical, hydraulics, and pneumatic systems,” Blackowski said. “I’m proud of being a veteran, I did a lot of security watches and I’m thankful how that experience led to where I am now, and it built my passion for mechanics.”

Blackowski may have confirmed his passion for mechanical work in the Navy but his discovery of it happened at a much earlier age.

“I’ve always liked being hands on ever since I was a kid. I dreamt of being a mechanic and working on cars," Blackowski said. “I played with plastic tools as if I were fixing something and I enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together.”

He is now beginning yet another new chapter in the book of his life. Blackowski has been hired by Coca Cola to work on their filler machines, conveyer belts, and everything that goes into making Coca Cola cans and bottles at their distribution center in Orlando.

“I’m excited about it, especially because Coke is a global company. I’m happy with the job security it provides, and I can move anywhere in the world and still have a job. That aspect of it is huge to me.”

“Looking ahead, Coca Cola has agreed to further my education and they want to send me to a PLC (programmable logic controller) course,” Blackowski added. “I’m starting at $22/hr, which is great money, but when I earn my PLC certification, they’ll promote me to a PLC technician position and that role makes around $36/hr. The career opportunity and advancement through Coke is great. They need technicians and they are willing to pay for your school as it benefits you and the company in the end.”

Blackowski, a huge Metallica fan since his childhood – his favorite song is Master of Puppets – is grateful to the All Within My Hands Foundation for playing an important role in his growth.

“I was on cloud nine,” Blackowski said. “I’ve been a Metallica fan practically since I was born. I grew up in the influence of my dad who was a big fan of Metallica, Disturbed, Event Sevenfold and bands like that, so to find out I got sponsored by one of my favorite bands that I listen to, to this day, was surreal. I even have Guitar Hero Metallica, so I was ecstatic, I really appreciate it.” ?