Nicole's Success Story Name: Nicole Larson Current Employer: OEM Fabricators Inc. Job Title: Certified Welder School Attended: CVTC Program Completed: Welding Graduation Year: 2005 Q:  How did you pick your career path? A:  I wanted to learn how to weld to create metal artwork. I enjoyed welding and decided to find a job as a welder. ------------------------------------------- Q:  Did you have any apprehensions about going to (or back to) school? A:  NO-The instructors I had were very familiar with students returning to further their educations and made the transition easy. ------------------------------------------- Q:  What was your school experience like? A:  Good, I learned a lot and it was a good start for my job. ------------------------------------------- Q:  How did getting this education help you? A:  I was able to learn a trade. I learned how to weld correctly and not just put welds on metal. ------------------------------------------- Q:  What have you learned since you graduated? A:  Way too much to even start putting on paper. ------------------------------------------- Q:  What would you tell others who are thinking about upgrading their education? A:  I would tell them that in order to get a job in the world today, it is mandatory to get further education past high school. ------------------------------------------- Q:  What’s the most important thing you learned your first year on the job? A:  The importance of on the job safety. ------------------------------------------- Q:  What’s fun about your job? A:  Being able to do different welding jobs and tasks everyday. ------------------------------------------- Q:  As a kid growing up, what did you want to do? A:  I wanted to work with animals or work in behavioral sciences – maybe in the FBI. ------------------------------------------- Q:  What ‘sparked’ your interest in this? A:  Working with metal to create artwork. ------------------------------------------- Q:  Who would you say was your strongest influence in choosing this training and career? A:  My mother and step dad. ------------------------------------------- Q:  Looking back, are there any courses you wish you would have taken in high school? A:  I would have taken more math courses. ------------------------------------------- Q:  Are you satisfied with the schooling choice you made, and the income you’re making now? A:  Yes – I enjoyed my classes in Technical College and my instructors did a good job. I make more money then a lot of my friends. ------------------------------------------- Q:  Are you in a career your parents would have picked for you? A:  No, but I know when it comes to repairing agriculture equipment around my parents farm I do a better job than my step dad. ------------------------------------------- Q:  What are your hobbies, favorite leisure activities? A:  I like to read, create art, and enjoy relaxing time with my friends. -------------------------------------------