SCC student Nicholas Martin's journey to success: from Somerset to Boeing
Published on Feb 26, 2024
Nicholas Martin, a local to Somerset and a Somerset High School (SHS) graduate of
2022, is taking an extraordinary path in his higher education journey at Somerset
Community College (SCC).
Martin studies Industrial Maintenance Technology (IMT) on the Somerset South Campus and will graduate in May.
Martin may still need to graduate from SCC, but he is already engaging in once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in his young IMT career that have landed him far beyond his home in Somerset, KY.
Last summer, Martin discovered what living on his own was like for the first time. Amazingly, not even on his dime. According to Martin, he accepted an internship at Boeing – in Washington, where the company mass-produces airplanes.
"My experience interning at such a reputable company has set my goals higher for my career," Martin said.
Martin has high aspirations to return to Washington and provide his skills as a full-time employee for Boeing, a process already underway, Martin shared.
Supporting higher education in technical programs has become Martin's passion since taking his path in IMT at SCC.
As a high school student at SHS, Martin didn't have a clear direction for his future career. That all changed for him when a well-known SCC advocate, recruiter, and Department Chair of Career and Technical, Chris Hall, shared his message about SCC and the opportunities that awaited locals at their hometown community college. Additionally, a few nudges from Aaron Irvine, his Industrial Maintenance teacher in high school, helped him take the plunge at SCC.
"My advice for students in high school is to try as many things as possible if you do not have a clear path for after graduation; I didn't either," Martin remembered. "I just tried a tech class to see what might happen or if I would even enjoy it. "It spiraled to this stage where I am about to graduate from SCC and hopefully have a career at a prestigious company in Washington."
Giving back to other high school students is at the top of his to-do list once he graduates. He wants to return the positive message Hall shared with him that nudged him to take his SCC path.
Without substantial influences from SCC like retired Assistant IMT Professor Butch Tincher, who helped Martin with applying to Boeing, and great IMT professors like Nick Tomlinson, Martin said he would never have made it this far so young.
Classes at SCC have left Martin with some enjoyable experiences in the classroom. His Human Interface (HMI) class was one of the most exciting classes.
"I got to program some of these. It's exciting because much of the industry is headed towards HMI interfaces, Martin said."
Martin is currently a Maintenance Technician at Prairie Farms and balances a full schedule with his IMT classes.
The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship has made Martin's journey through SCC financially stress-free as it provides free tuition for students pursuing a degree in one of five high-wage, high-demand sectors.
“Most of the time, I don't have to pay anything for school," Martin shared. "It has helped me stay focused in school and work without being stressed about how much my education costs."
As Martin approaches graduation, he says he keeps a straightforward mantra close to his heart, passed along to him by his grandparents, Ralph and Rebecca Martin. "Work hard and do good." Something Martin already has a good grasp on.
Learn more about SCC's Industrial Maintenance Technology program.
