WNC students find jobs

Eighteen machining students at Western Nevada College have successfully found career opportunities after completing an accelerated, 16-week program last spring in conjunction with Dream It-Do It.

WNC delivered specialized, machine tool technology training for the students, who then completed an eight-week internship with local manufacturers, and were all offered full-time jobs. The training also makes them eligible to take the National Institute of Metalworking Skills national credential exam.

"It's been exciting to work with the great people from business and industry on the Dream It, Do It state board," said WNC President Dr. Carol Lucey. "We thoroughly enjoyed creating a short-term academic/internship route for unemployed people into high skilled, good paying, permanent employment."-

Student Katie Christian discovered that the program offered her the opportunity to pursue her career and provide for her family. She is using what she learned through WNC's program in her new job for GE Energy in Minden.

"It is incredible... it makes me feel like I'm receiving a pat on the back. This is so beneficial for my family and my new baby. It makes me strong as a person, strong as a woman and strong as a employee."

Dream It-Do It, is an industry-led organization that is implementing Right Skills Now programs to enhance the skilled workforce in Nevada.

"We are grateful to all who helped us place WNC's students from the program into, first, internships and then, permanent employment. This was quite gratifying," Lucey said.