With the firm grounding in computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies he received at SLCC, Sean Rose, who earned his SLCC certificate in 2020, has set his sights on the stars--or at least, the stratosphere.

The 21-year-old works at a small manufacturing company and calls the training he received at SLCC "phenomenal."

"The culture of the students and teachers at Westpointe can't have a dollar amount put on it," Rose said. "The instructors are there to help you learn--not just prepare you for a test."

Rose expected his 30-hour certificate program to consist of a lot of standing in front of a machine while he learned how to operate it. He was surprised by how much of his training involved the front-end of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) and CAM operations (the 3D design and the programming of machines before a product is created).

Rose's trajectory calls for a return to SLCC for an Associate of Pre-Engineering degree, stacking his credentials to accelerate the path to graduation. From there, he'll study to become a mechanical engineer, all while using his skills to contribute to Utah's manufacturing industry. His eventual goal is to be a manager in the aerospace or astrospace industries.

Thanks to scholarships from Boeing and Industrial Supply, Rose can reduce his hours at work while he's in school.

"If you are able to focus on school and not stress about money, it pays dividends."