PTC machine tool student wins gold at Nationals

Nathan Voelkers, a Machine Tool student at Pioneer Technology Center, won first place at the National SkillsUSA Championship in Louisville, Ky.

The SkillsUSA competition was held June 19 – 23 and is a showcase for the best career and technical students in the nation.  More than 6,000 outstanding career and technical education students — all state contest winners –competed hands-on in 100 different trade, technical and leadership fields. Students worked against the clock and each other, proving their expertise in occupations such as electronics, computer-aided drafting, precision machining, medical assisting and culinary arts.

Pioneer Tech’s Nathan Voelkers competed against 23 other state champions and received first place and a gold medal in his CNC Technician field.

“I’m very proud of Nathan’s hard work and his accomplishment in the machining competition.  He shows a lot of dedication to his trade and possesses top rate work ethics that will take him far,” said Jared McMartin, Machine Tool instructor at PTC.

According to McMartin, Voelkers took a written, programming and measuring test which was followed with a job interview for his category.

For more information about Pioneer Technology Center and its programs call (580) 762-8336 or visit their website www.pioneertech.edu.