Learning machining skills at Western Nevada College’s Woody Wurster Machine Tool Technology Center has helped students scatter into a variety of professions following their classes in the program and graduation.

WNC Machine Tool Technology Instructor Ronald Beller now has former students employed or having served as a head mechanic for a railroad museum, a high school teacher, a state government intern, Starbucks employee, a business owner, a custom parts maker, and more.

“Our Machine Tool Technology program is a powerful example of how career and technical education can open doors to opportunity,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “These graduates have taken the skills they developed at Western Nevada College and applied them in remarkably diverse ways, from advanced manufacturing and precision machining to teaching, entrepreneurship and specialized industries. Their success reflects the quality of our hands-on instruction and the incredible opportunities available to students who choose to develop skills that are in demand throughout Nevada and beyond. We are proud of our MTT graduates and grateful to faculty like Ronald Beller who help students turn their talents into rewarding careers.”

His students learned how to operate manual and computer-controlled machinery to cut, shape and turn metal into precision parts. They have experience working on modern equipment used in the industry.

“All students excelled in their chosen path,” Beller said. “One student who is very shy about publicity started a job last December making $33 per hour to start. His pay will only go up from there.”

Beller said that students will gain the skills necessary for employment after only one semester. By applying for the William N. Pennington Scholarship, students can receive funding to fit higher education classes into their budget.

Here is a sample of what his former students have been doing since they developed their industry skills at WNC:

 

John Henry McDonald 

John Henry McDonald fell in love with steam engine trains when he was 12 years old. 

As a student at WNC, John Henry took machining classes and earned his associate degree.

While attending WNC, he worked at railroad museums in Carson City and Ely on weekends. As the experienced employees in the shops saw him apply himself and advance his knowledge, skills and experience, they invested their time and knowledge in him.

John has progressed through the ranks at Ely Railroad Museum to become, first, the foreman and now the top machinist in the shop. He leads a full-time crew of six and three part-time apprentices.

“I got lucky. There aren’t too many places that run steam locomotives and even fewer that will pay you to do it,” he said.

Kapono Fuller

Kapono Fuller started as a WNC student while working in a race car shop. After his boss learned he was taking machining classes at WNC, he received a promotion to make custom parts. He developed his skillset with CNC machines and Swiss screw machines while attending WNC.

The WNC alum and his father enjoy building and racing VW bugs and has worked as a weekend lead for a local manufacturing company and fabricator.

Gillian Hammons

After graduating from WNC’s Machine Tool Technology program in 2023, Gillian launched her career as a tool and die maker — but an unexpected opportunity changed everything.

Today, she’s teaching high school machining students in Tennessee, passing on the same hands-on skills and industry mindset she built at WNC.

Raul Gallegos

The Army veteran, gunsmith, machinist and WNC alum was employed at Custom Stamping, a business that specializes in precision metal stamping and tooling. However, he has since moved to California and opened a custom gun shop specializing in high-end firearms.

Vanessa Jensen 

Vanessa studied Business and Industrial Technology (mechatronics and machining) while attending WNC. She earned a bachelor's degree in Organization and Project Management from WNC in 2025 and interned with the State of Nevada. 

Vince Cole

The former MTT student landed a well-paying maintenance job at the Starbucks Distribution Center in Minden. 

Chris Perdue

A teaching assistant for Machine Tool Technology classes. He developed a heightened proficiency in mills, lathes, surface grinding, and CNC knowledge.

“Chris is looking at getting a part-time job in a CNC shop, which will be a total immersion in CNC work,” Beller said. “That job should bring him up to speed on CNC's and give him the confidence to take over the CNC classes.”

Brooke Walker

A former MTT and welding student is employed at Custom Stamping in Carson City, specializing in tools and die work following graduation. 

 

For information about WNC’s Machine Tool Technology program and degree requirements, contact Beller at Ronald.beller@wnc.edu and visit catalog.wnc.edu/programs/TMTT-AAS.