July 29, 2025
Job training at Grand Rapids Community College provided the “just right” fit Lee Hillman had been searching for.
“I didn’t have a straightforward plan for college when I graduated from high school,” Hillman said. “I have broad interests. I explored a career in biology but found I didn’t enjoy the chemistry classes. I love music and considered music education, but teaching is not really my thing. I thought maybe historical preservation was the right track, until I realized that it required a master’s degree.”
A friend introduced Hillman to the job training opportunities at GRCC — a conversation that sparked a new direction.
“My high school art teacher gave me the opportunity for an independent study in metal smithing. That experience left a strong impression on me,” Hillman said. “I’m also always engaged in some kind of creative project, whether it’s drawing, sewing, building or painting. When I heard about the welding program, I thought it would build upon my past experience and my creative interests. Also, the idea of playing with fire in class sounded like fun, so I decided to give it a try.”
Hillman admits there was some uncertainty at first, but the experience quickly clicked.
“It’s rewarding to work with my hands and get something done,” Hillman said. “I like knowing how to read blueprints, how to fabricate, and how to prep metal for painting or finishing. I now have an array of skills I can use. It has been eye-opening to learn how many ways there are to use them.”
That mindset, and Hillman’s talent, opened the door to a three-month internship through FutureTech Careers, GRCC’s co-curricular career readiness program. The long-term goal of FutureTech is to make employer-connected learning a regular part of how students move through their education.
“Students don’t always have a clear view of the career pathways available in advanced manufacturing and technology,” said David Pridmore, Program Manager for FutureTech Careers. “Our goal is to reduce barriers by connecting students to employers. We do this through a blend of career readiness and work-based learning experiences. That can include everything from job shadows and micro-internships, to mock interviews, resume building, and employer networking events.”
When GRCC alumnus Luis Fernandez approached the college about collaborating on an ArtPrize installation, Pridmore and welding professor Nate Haney saw an ideal match for Hillman’s skills.
“Lee was a superb student,” Haney said. “In addition to being timely and a hard worker, Lee asked great questions while learning the craft. I had also noticed Lee’s artistic qualities, such as the tendency to doodle or to dress up work clothes with interesting patches. This project felt like it would be right up Lee’s alley.”
Through FutureTech Careers, Hillman joined Meta4mat, a metal fabrication company tasked with bringing Fernandez’s artwork to life. The internship began with design meetings, CAD reviews and project planning. Then it will shift into fabrication. As ArtPrize draws closer, there will be a mock-up and assembly phase before final installation at the Grand Rapids Art Museum in September.
“I am very excited about this opportunity, because it will help transition me from education to a career,” Hillman said. “My hands will be on a lot of this project and that will provide great insights as I see the entire thing come together.”
Haney is thrilled about the opportunity for Lee to gain expanded knowledge beyond the classroom.
“Lee’s classes focused on hands-on skills,” Haney said. “But I know from my work experience that project management is an especially important skill. We can’t teach that in class. Lee is going to gain fantastic experience communicating, collaborating and learning how to organize a project from start to finish. The complexity of this project complements the curriculum in GRCC’s job training programs.”
That kind of exposure is exactly what FutureTech Careers was built to provide.
“We want to blur the line between education and employment,” Pridmore said. “Every student who participates in FutureTech Careers will have access to unique experiences and support that will help them find fulfilling work. We are here to support any student in a variety of certificate, associate degree and job training programs. Students of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. The benefits are huge, and the time commitment is minimal.”
Hillman is enthusiastic about what the future holds.
“I’ve always dreamed of being involved with Artprize,” Hillman said. “Helping a GRCC alum bring his work to life using my skillset is such an amazing opportunity.”
Learn more about FutureTech Careers at GRCC.