Gateway grad checks out program, changes life
Didn’t know anything about CNC when he first signed up, now very successful in career

Kent Schopp was a line cook at an area restaurant right after high school. While he was sure of where he was at, he was unsure of what he wanted to do in his future. He just knew that he didn’t see himself in the culinary field.

He was encouraged to check out Gateway Technical College and the Computer Numeric Control program.

“I said, ‘What’s that? What’s a lathe? What’s a mill?’ I had no background in manufacturing whatsoever,” says Kent.

But he still went to Gateway’s Elkhorn Campus to check it out. After a tour with a CNC instructor, he was interested enough to take two classes to see whether he liked it.

“I took the two classes and really liked it. I thought this is cool, I get to turn raw metal into something that can be used. After those two classes, I decided I really wanted to go into the program and be certified.

“Gateway helped me discover what I really wanted to do in my career. I went from not knowing what I wanted to do to being successful in my career. Gateway set me up to be successful.”

Kent graduated with two Gateway CNC technical diplomas and quickly entered the career field. He used the skills he gained at the college to succeed and work his way up the company ladder to his current position of manufacturing engineering technician.

“The skills I gained at Gateway helped me in all the positions I’ve been in my career. I think if you go to Gateway and complete a diploma or degree you will have the full base knowledge to succeed,” says Kent. “I still use a lot of what I learned at Gateway.”

Kent said he liked Gateway’s affordability and the college provides opportunities for those who have yet to figure out their future.

“It was easy for me to take a couple classes to see if that was something I wanted to do. It was affordable and I knew I wouldn’t be out a lot of money if I decided to change careers,” says Kent.

“The other thing I really liked about Gateway is that you can learn at your own pace. When I was attending Gateway, I was working full time. Actually, I was already working in the industry when I was going to Gateway.”

Kent says even though he was already working in manufacturing, he chose to stay at Gateway and finish the CNC Production Technician technical diploma as well as the CNC Programmer technical diploma.

“I think you benefit from completing your degree. You learn a lot more that will help you in your career,” says Kent.

Kent, who has worked in increasingly responsible roles, pointed out that earning the two diplomas helped him at each position along the way.

“When you find out what you want to do in your career, you can build on those skills. If you want to do something else, you can bring in other skills you’ve learned. You learn those through completing your degree.

“Taking classes at Gateway allows you to experiment and try things you might not have the time or resources to do while you are working in the industry.”