June 24, 2025
Many people develop their love for hands-on work during their formative childhood years. Jake Nichols is no exception.
“My dad worked for Caterpillar doing machine repair,” Nichols said. “It was just a natural thing for me to help him out around the house, learning to fix cars and winterize boats. I thought I could use those skills in a career, so I started working for an automotive company.”
Jake quickly learned that this wasn’t exactly the right fit.
“I didn’t like doing the same thing every day,” Nichols said. “So I found another job at a company called NN Incorporated. They gave me the chance to earn my journeyman’s certificate. I would work four days, and then attend class on day five. The classroom portion of that work was done at GRCC.”
The further education and job change definitely had an impact.
“At NN, I felt like I had a purpose and a place. I could be creative and make improvements,” Nichols said.
Jake applied the 30 credits of his training that articulated toward a degree, and added general education courses, to complete his A.A.A.S. in Tooling and Manufacturing. He moved on to a new opportunity as production supervisor for another manufacturer. All of these experiences gradually opened more new doors for him.
“I found out about an opportunity to teach the same journeyman’s program that I had taken at GRCC,” Nichols said. “I made the leap to education, so now I teach that class along with others as adjunct faculty.”
After his first year of teaching, Jake says it’s awesome to work with students.
“These are people who want to learn,” Nichols said. “They get information and run with it. They’re dedicated and focused, which makes the environment a lot less stressful. The students make it great.”
Jake also loves the variety and flexibility of his teaching schedule. “I’m teaching five courses, and also doing some hands-on classes for students in the English Learner program. I’ve even taught a course with a Spanish interpreter! I usually teach in the evening, which frees up my time during the day.”
He’s making good use of that time as he works to complete his bachelor’s degree in organizational management and leadership through Purdue Global.
“I’m happy doing this work,” Nichols said. “Teaching is a breath of fresh air.”
Learn more about the Tooling and Manufacturing A.A.A.S. at GRCC.