After waiting years to use his GI Bill® benefits, the Stautzenberger College HVAC/R graduate is building a skilled-trades career for his growing family.
Raymond Saldivar’s workday starts with sheet metal, machinery and a set of plans.
At GEM Incorporated, he helps fabricate ductwork for commercial and industrial projects. The physical, fast-paced work requires constant learning—and it is exactly the kind of challenge the Marine Corps veteran was prepared to take on.
“I’m doing a lot of fabricating, moving parts, looking at labels and constantly learning,” Raymond said.
Raymond graduated from Stautzenberger College’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program in July 2026. He is now a pre-apprentice and has been approved to enter the Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 apprenticeship program in January 2027.
It is the next step in a journey shaped by service, education and family.
Discipline Built Through Service
Raymond enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at 18 and served for four years before leaving in 2015.
As a radio operator, he worked with communications equipment, satellite links, encrypted data and mobile radio systems. He later earned a place on a Fire Support Team, a selective assignment supporting ground units through communications for artillery, mortars and air support.
The work demanded technical ability, physical endurance and discipline. Those lessons continue to guide him.
In the fabrication shop, Raymond works with journeymen of different ages and experience levels. The Marine Corps taught him to respect knowledge, listen carefully and understand his role on a team.
“If someone has the experience, I’m going to listen and learn,” he said.
That mindset helped Raymond stand out. Although his pre-apprentice position gave him up to a year to demonstrate his readiness, he was approved to advance into the apprenticeship after approximately five weeks.
Using the GI Bill for a New Path
Raymond’s route to the trades was not direct. After leaving the Marines, he considered law enforcement and worked in security, factories and transportation.
Over time, he realized he needed a different path toward a long-term career.
“I have kids. I have to provide,” he said. “That’s when the trades started kicking in.”
Raymond and his partner have four children, with another baby on the way. He chose HVAC/R training because he wanted dependable work, career growth and greater security for his family.
Although eligible to use his GI Bill benefits since leaving the service, it took Raymond years to decide how to use them. At Stautzenberger, his benefits covered his tuition and helped support him while he completed the 10-month program.
Raymond developed a foundation in residential systems, electrical concepts, formulas and commercial and industrial principles. He also earned his Universal EPA Section 608 certification.
He credits his instructors with challenging him, explaining difficult concepts and teaching the fundamentals employers expect.
“The things I learned on the commercial and industrial side are helping me a lot with what I’m doing right now,” he said.
Building a Future for His Family
Raymond wants his children to see that careers can change, education does not have an expiration date and finding the right direction may require persistence.
“They can look at it and say, ‘Dad did this. Dad did that,’” he said. “I want to be a good role model for them.”
His military service developed his discipline. Stautzenberger provided a technical foundation. His union opportunity is helping him turn that preparation into a long-term career.
Advice to Other Veterans
Raymond encourages veterans to explore the education benefits they earned—even if they have waited years to use them.
“Use it, but really figure out how you’re going to use it,” he said. “It took me about 12 years to figure out what I wanted to use it for.”
He recommends researching the field, understanding employer expectations and considering complementary credentials, such as welding, safety or industry certifications.
Most importantly, he wants veterans to know it is not too late to return to school or begin a different career.
Veterans and military families can learn more about military education benefits and support at Stautzenberger College.
For Raymond, the GI Bill did more than fund his education. It helped him build on his Marine Corps foundation, prepare for a skilled trade and begin his next mission: creating a better future for his family.
Ready to explore your next step? Learn more about Stautzenberger College’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program and how hands-on training can help you prepare for a career in the skilled trades.