Billy McIlwain, an Auto Technology student at BCTC and senior at Oley, is already well on his way to a successful career in the automotive industry thanks to his co-op placement at Levan Machine and Truck Equipment. His passion for the field runs deep rooted in a family legacy of automotive skills and industry experience. His father is a mechanic, his mother worked for Firestone Tires and now serves as an Instructional Assistant in BCTC’s Diesel Technology program, and his brother is a BCTC graduate. “I have been working on engines over half my life, so I knew I was always going to attend BCTC,” Billy shared.
At Levan Machine and Truck Equipment, Billy works Tuesday through Friday mornings, gaining hands-on experience with complex electrical and lighting systems. Currently, he is focused on running wires and integrating additional lighting into trucks, ensuring each new system works seamlessly with the factory wiring and switches. “I am running the wires and hooking the lights up with the factory wires and switches,” he explained.
His responsibilities extend beyond standard installations. Billy is also working on a police vehicle that requires a much higher level of precision and problem-solving due to the advanced lighting systems and integration with factory computer modules. “Our job is to make it look like the extra wiring and lighting systems were part of the car when it rolled off the assembly line.” he said.
These upgrades often require extensive disassembly, rewiring, and meticulous reassembly of the vehicle interior. One of the biggest challenges, Billy noted, is the pressure to get each installation perfect. “You only have one chance to drill a hole to mount a light in a vehicle. You can't have the car look like Swiss cheese. It takes a lot of time to get it perfect.”
Early in his co-op experience, Billy received the best piece of advice from his supervisor—wisdom that has guided him through the most complex projects: “One wire at a time.” He shared that this simple but powerful reminder has been essential when tackling intricate wiring systems.
While Billy chooses co-op over being in the classroom, he is confident in the value of the experience: “I like the money, I like the experience, and I like knowing when I graduate, I have a job waiting for me.”
With modern vehicles relying heavily on electronics and computer systems, Billy is eager to continue building his skills in wiring, lighting, and programming. His goals include mastering the customized computer systems that control vehicle’s complex lighting setups. “Instead of working on a manufacturer’s computer system, we are working on our own customized computer systems for the lighting systems,” he said.
Billy ended with advice for younger students just starting out, “don’t be scared to fail. If you are scared to fail, you will never get anywhere in life.”