A Hands-on Education: Jess’ Story

Jess loves the satisfaction of building things with his own hands, which is why he’s thrilled to pursue an education in Welding/Machining at College of the Canyons. As someone who has always been drawn to work that’s physical, precise, and skill-based, Jess is most excited about a steady career path in a necessary field, doing something where he can see the results of his efforts every day.

College: College of the Canyons, studying Welding/Machining

• What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM or a trade, and what excites you most about this path?

  What inspired me to pursue a career in a trade was the satisfaction I get from working with my hands and building something real and useful. I’ve always been drawn to work that’s physical, precise, and skill-based—something where I can see the results of my effort at the end of the day. Welding and machining offer that. Once I learned more about how essential these skills are in everything from construction to manufacturing to even underwater repairs, I knew it was the path I wanted to follow.

• How do you see this scholarship helping you achieve your career goals, and what difference do you hope to make in your field?

  With the scholarship, it will help me with the financial burden of paying rent so I can focus on school.

• Who has been your biggest supporter or role model throughout your education?

  The people who have been my biggest supporters so far in my journey through college has to be Ryan and Brandie McAdams, who check to see how school is going and are willing to help me with homework. I cannot thank them enough. The other person is Brett Wreesman for checking in on me and seeing how welding is going. Both of his sons are welders and he is always willing to put me in contact with them so I can learn more.

• What are you most excited about as you begin your college or trade school journey?

  The thing I am most excited about is having a career for the rest of my life and trying to learn as much as I can in college, so no matter what I will always have a back-up plan.

• What’s one fun fact about you that people might not expect from someone pursuing a career in your field?

  One thing that people will not expect is even though I am going into welding, I work with a nonprofit called R.M Pyles Boys Camp.

• If you could instantly learn any skill before starting college or trade school, what would it be?

  if I could learn any skill or trade before going to college, I would say it would have to be nursing.

• If you had an entire day to do whatever you wanted—no school or work—how would you spend it?

  I would say if I had an entire day to do anything I wanted, I would hang out with friends and go on a day hike and have a nice relaxing day.