Military veteran finds new career

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Brooklyn Park, November 17, 2020 – After serving two tours of duty in the Middle East, U.S. Army veteran Stephen Hampshire began his civilian life. But when COVID-19 prompted layoffs at his workplace, he lost his job at an insurance company.

Using the GI Bill, Hampshire enrolled at HTC and is learning to repair diesel engines. HTC is seeing an increase in the number of new students who enroll because they lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

Even during the pandemic, there is high demand for diesel engine repair technicians. HTC connected Hampshire with an employer and he’s already working full-time while attending college. In addition to finding a recession-proof career, Hampshire has found his true passion.

“I’m just happier in what I do. It doesn’t feel like I’m going to work. It’s just a few guys working on engines,” said Hampshire. In honor of Veteran’s Day, the Star Tribune featured an article on Stephen Hampshire. Read the article "Veterans find COVID silver lining: chance to retrain for new career" on www.Startribune.com.