Western Nevada College News
WNC Machine Tool, Welding Student Not About to Settle for an Office Job
Aug 21, 2023
Western Nevada College Gillian Hammons is photographed in the college’s Machine Tool Technology shop where she takes classes.
Western Nevada College second-year Machine Tool Technology and Welding student Gillian Hammons knows what makes her happy and what’s important.
Hammons earned her Associate of Science degree through WNC’s Jump Start program while attending high school. This allowed her to enter the mining engineering program at the University of Nevada, Reno early. She quickly learned that the engineering side of mining wasn’t for her.
“I love mining and the operations of mining but can’t stand the engineering side of it,” she said.
Hammons returned to the familiarity of WNC and the Career and Technical Education skills that she was seeking.
“I figured I could get into the operations side of mining if I went into the blue-collar industry and decided to learn machining and welding,” Hammons said. “Eventually, I’ll dive into diesel mechanics to work on haul trucks.”
After one semester of welding at WNC, Hammons was able to find work with a Minden business welding massive frames that hold industrial water filtration systems. She loves the work environment.
“While at work, I’m left alone. I am the only female in the ‘manufacturing’ side of the warehouse, but I’m treated just like everyone else and get help when I need it,” she said.
While attending UNR, Hammons joined the Society of Mining, Metallurgical and Exploration Engineers along with the old-fashioned mining team — the Mackay Muckers. The latter activity developed into a very enjoyable hobby.
In fact, the Mackay Muckers were so good that they competed and won their division in the International Collegiate Mining Competition in Australia. Hammons and the Muckers competed in Swede saw gold panning, mucking, Jackleg, single Jack hand steel, track stand and survey. The team placed first overall for women and first in all divisions in gold panning. The Muckers were first in track stand, gold panning, Jackleg and hand steel, second in Swede saw and mucking, and third in survey.
“An absolutely crazy experience to travel across the world and compete against schools from all over the world, and win, nonetheless; couldn’t be prouder of my team,” Hammons said.
Machine Tool Technology Instructor Ron Beller said that Hammons has a promising future ahead of her.
“Gill plans on graduating in December, and continuing to excel in her career, and her hobbies,” he said.
For more information about WNC’s MTT, welding and other CTE programs, phone 775-445-4272 or email wcte@wnc.edu. Apply for scholarships for programs like these through wnc.edu/scholarship and clicking through to the William N. Pennington CTE scholarship and the Career Path Scholarship.
Gillian Hammons, second from the right, was part of the first-place Mackay Muckers at the International Collegiate Mining Competition in Australia.