Matt Syrie, a 2000 graduate of Roseburg High School, is a Journeyman CNC Machinist at Con-Vey, where he combines hands-on skills with creative problem-solving in the manufacturing field.

His career path began right in high school through RHS’s Career and Technical Education programs. Machine shop, welding, and computer-aided drafting were some of the classes that sparked his interest. He also took part in a work study with a small shop called Sonic Machine.

Matt continued to build his skills by taking night machine shop courses at Umpqua Community College with instructor Dan Sprague, a Con-Vey retiree. “It gave me more time in the machine shop and helped me hone skills in machining,” he said. Today, he uses those same high school lessons in his day-to-day work. “I use the skills I learned at RHS every day at Con-Vey, such as blueprint reading, running lathes and mills, and using AutoCAD.”

At Con-Vey, no two days are exactly alike. Matt sets up and operates CNC machines, programs or edits part designs, and looks for ways to improve production. “What I love most about my job is finding new and creative ways to improve upon both new and legacy processes to dramatically increase velocity.”

After graduating from RHS, Matt joined the U.S. Navy and trained as a Machinery Repairman. “After my service, I attended community college and earned an associate degree in Machine Technology, where I learned to program CNC machines.”

His career eventually brought him back to Roseburg after 20 years in San Diego. “I came back to Roseburg to be with family and raise my daughter in a wholesome environment,” he said. “Roseburg is a great place to live and work because it’s more laid-back and less stressful than a larger city. It’s also very centralized and truly an outdoorsman’s paradise. Plus, who could resist a relaxing float on the river in the summertime?”

Matt believes there are real opportunities in the trades here in Douglas County. “Before moving back to Roseburg and joining Con-Vey, I worked as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer. There’s definitely potential here for continued growth and advancement in the field.”

Looking back, one of his RHS shop teachers played an important role in guiding him toward a career in machining and his decision to serve in the military. His advice to current students? “There’s no shame in learning a vocation or trade if that’s your calling in life. Not everyone wants (or needs) to go to college, and this country is facing a shortage of skilled labor. The military may not be for everyone either, but I can guarantee it’s an experience you’ll never forget.”