By Chris Cunningham

Lane Community College alumnus Mike Brady, 33, began working for Northwest Stamping and Precision as a machinist even before he earned an associates degree in manufacturing earlier this year.

Brady was taking night classes at the college when instructor Steve Caffey recommended him for a part-time position with the Eugene-based company that creates machined parts, from design phase through production.

The availability of night classes, "was one of the biggest benefits of attending Lane," Brady says, making it possible for him to work while he was in school, and pay for classes as he went.

"I always liked making things with machines. I was intrigued by how they worked," the Springfield resident says. Lane's machine curriculum helped him broaden his skill base.

His work at Northwest Stamping and Precision involves making parts according to very specific dimensions and weights on a computer-controlled lathe—small but critical pieces such as brackets and knobs for aircraft sun visors, he explains.

When he was starting LCC's manufacturing program, Brady says he "wasn't sure which way to go with a career," but instructors such as Caffey took the time to talk to him about career options he might consider, given his aptitude and previous training in drafting.

Brady had earned a two-year associates degree in drafting from Lane in 2008. After completing a drafting internship at Country Coach in Junction City through the college's Co-operative Education program, he was employed there for several years, before the company closed its doors.

In Lane's manufacturing program, Brady says Caffey helped him build a solid foundation in computer-controlled machine skills. And instructor "Al Hill helped me understand machine set-up." Both men "helped me become who I am today."

"I now have quite an array of skills," Brady says. "I'm a jack of all trades."