Bringing the heat, keeping it cool: Isaiah Barnett carves a new path at the Eastside Training Center

By Jean Borst

Before enrolling in the HVAC program at Clover Park Technical College’s Eastside Training Center (ETC), Isaiah Barnett had already built careers in demanding, high-pressure environments. He worked as a corrections officer and later transitioned into car sales, a move that paid well but came with tradeoffs.

“It was lucrative,” Barnett said, “but it took so much time away from the things that were important to me.”

Like many people balancing work and family, he focused on providing and doing what was necessary. But over time, it became clear that something needed to change, and the next step had to offer more than just a paycheck.

Going for it

Learning a trade had been on Barnett’s radar for years, but there never seemed to be the right time to pursue it. Someone close to him helped shift his perspective.

“My significant other really pushed me, in the best way,” he said. “She knew I wanted something different and told me to go for it.”

With that encouragement – and a willingness to finally invest in himself – Barnett explored his options and found the Eastside Training Center. Close to home and designed with working students in mind, the ETC offered a practical, accessible way to take that next step.

Making it work

That decision came with challenges. Today, Barnett balances school with his work as a personal trainer, all while staying present for his family. It’s a full schedule that requires discipline, flexibility and a strong support system.

“I couldn’t do this by myself,” he says. “Having that support is everything.”

Most days start early. He’s up before sunrise for classes, wraps up by late morning and heads into client sessions in the afternoon. Evenings are reserved for family time, something he’s intentional about protecting.

“We try to sit down and eat together,” he says. “That old-school time at the table. It matters.”

The pace isn’t always easy, but it’s purposeful, and for Barnett, that makes the difference.

Finding the right support

At the ETC, Barnett found more than just technical training. He found an environment where instructors are consistently present and invested in student success, something that stood out compared with his previous college experiences.

“They’re incredibly helpful and knowledgeable,” he said. “They go far beyond what I expected to make sure you understand the material.”

That support helped him grow, especially in areas that didn’t always come naturally.

“I was never a good test taker,” he said. “But I’ve learned how to study, and I’ve done well on my finals.”

It’s a shift that reflects more than academic progress. It’s helped him build confidence in what he’s capable of moving forward.

Adjusting to a new mindset

On his first day at the ETC, Barnett quickly realized he was stepping into a different kind of learning environment, one that brought together students of all ages and backgrounds.

One moment stood out. A younger classmate recognized him as a parent volunteer from when his 16-year-old daughter attended elementary school.

“That made me feel a little old,” he said with a laugh. “But it’s cool. Everyone’s here for the same reason.”

Now in his third quarter, Barnett has settled into the rhythm of the HVAC program. The early mornings and long days aren’t always easy, but they’ve become part of a routine and a bigger picture.

“You just have to show up and do it,” he said. “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. When you see that, it keeps you going.”

More important, the experience has changed how he thinks about the future.

“For a long time, I settled,” he said. “Now I realize you don’t have to do something you don’t enjoy. You can go after what you really want.”

That mindset is already opening doors. Barnett recently received an apprenticeship offer from a local HVAC company, an opportunity that will allow him to continue his studies while gaining real-world experience.

“They’re willing to work with my school schedule to make it happen,” he said. “That meant a lot.”

Leading by example

For Barnett, it’s not just about opening doors for his own future – it’s also about helping others succeed.

At the 2026 Pacific Northwest Black Male Academic Achievement Conference in February, he received a scholarship for mentoring two struggling students and helping them successfully complete the quarter. The award had already been given to another student, but Barnett’s actions left such an impression that a second scholarship was created in his honor.

“I was surprised,” he said. “I was just being myself. If I see someone who’s struggling, I want to help. I would want someone to do the same for me.”

Building a brighter future

What started as a leap of faith is quickly becoming a long-term career. As graduation approaches, Barnett is focused on his apprenticeship, continuing to build his skills and creating a more stable future for his family.

“It all seemed so far away when I started,” he said. “Now it’s right in front of me.”

The journey has also come with a bit of humor and perspective.

“I was never the handy one growing up,” he said. “My mom used to joke about that. Now I’m proving her wrong.”

For anyone considering a similar path, Barnett’s advice is simple:

“You can do it. Just focus on what’s ahead,” he said. “It may sound like a cliché, but the sacrifice you make today is for a better tomorrow.”