Western Dakota Tech student, Jeremiah Spencer, is well on his way after receiving his Precision Machining diploma one week before receiving his high school diploma in May.
Spencer's accomplishment is a result of the Dual Enrollment program, which allows students to earn high-school and college credit at the same time. Students in good academic standing are able to take dual classes in their junior and senior years.
"I took Dual Enrollment classes after my junior year during the summer so I could finish during my senior year," Spencer said.
Spencer focused on precision machining classes because he has a passion for machining, but high school students can use the Dual Enrollment program to take any class offered at Western Dakota Tech.
"I actually wanted to be something like a machinist when I was younger and this gave me a really great opportunity to become a machinist. For other students who want transferable credits, it's really great for that. I just think it's a cool thing.
Spencer is now ready to enter the workforce in hopes of beginning a promising career. Machinists are expected to enjoy growth of 13.8 percent through 2020 and make an average hourly wage of $17.55 in the Rapid City area. Spencer says he's ready to get started.
"Find work! And get enough experience and enough money to start my own shop some day," Spencer said.
Spencer's story was featured on the Black Hills Fox News segment, Along the Way. To view the story, click here.
