MARIETTA, OHIO — Jaden Martin is a hard-working and dedicated Advanced Manufacturing and Integration Technology (AMIT) major who is already excelling greatly in his educational and professional life. Through promotions at work and getting hands-on opportunities at Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO), Martin is already setting himself up for success.
Martin’s path at WSCO began as a College Credit Plus (CCP) student, eager to get ahead in his college education. During his time at WSCO, he discovered the AMIT program, which aligned perfectly with his love for hands-on work. “I’ve always enjoyed hands-on tasks—they keep me engaged and my mind active,” Martin says.
Martin has achieved significant professional milestones at WSCO, including becoming a Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) in SolidWorks CAD, earning NIMS certifications in Measurement, Materials, and Safety as well as Milling Operator Level 1, and obtaining certifications in both Fanuc and Universal Robotics. He gained hands-on project experience by collaborating with a co-worker to design, manufacture, and fabricate a large Plinko board, which was used in a demonstration for 700 seventh-grade students during YES (Young Engineers and Scientists) Days at WSCO’s campus.
He also had the honor of being a guest speaker in two InCERT Academy classes at WSCO. The InCERT Academy offers high school students the opportunity to earn valuable industry credentials while gaining hands-on experience. This program not only supports high school graduation requirements but also opens doors to potential job opportunities in the local community. Martin was thrilled to be able to teach these students something new. “I taught SolidWorks to two groups of students from the InCERT program. By the end of the sessions, they had a solid understanding of the basics of SolidWorks and how CAD can be applied across various industries,” says Martin. He believes that all of these opportunities have allowed him to learn new things that will be useful as he continues his educational and professional journey.
In addition to everything Martin has accomplished at WSCO, he’s also excelled professionally at Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition (AOMC). Martin currently works at AOMC as a Manufacturing Technician, where he first started as an intern. Elizabeth King, FlexFactor STEM Specialist at WSCO, is not only one of Martin’s professors but works at AOMC with him as well and says that his work ethic has allowed him to advance in the company since then. “I have the pleasure of working with Jaden at AOMC. He was an intern for a year and excelled at any task that was given to him. Due to his diligence, he was promoted to Manufacturing Technician,” says King. “In this new position, Jaden supervised 6 college and high school interns. Through this experience, I saw Jaden become an excellent communicator and learn to work with all the different personality types,” says King.
Martin is set to graduate from WSCO in the Spring of 2025 and has plans to continue his engineering education through Ohio University’s (OHIO) articulation agreement with WSCO. “As I wrap up my time at WSCO, I’m excited to transition smoothly to OHIO and pursue their Engineering Technology Management program,” says Martin.
Jared Voldness, Director of Engineering & Business at WSCO believes that Martin is making a wise decision in his chosen path. “With plans to pursue Engineering Technology and Management at OHIO, I believe Jaden is setting himself up to expand his expertise and gain leadership abilities, building on the foundation he’s established at WSCO,” says Voldness. Voldness believes that Martin’s interest in hands-on education and work is one major factor in why Martin has gotten so many opportunities at WSCO as well as his workplace, AOMC. “Jaden’s journey at WSCO is marked by a proactive approach to hands-on learning, demonstrated by his role in projects and his involvement with the AOMC,” says Voldness.
After earning his bachelor’s degree from OHIO, Martin is eager to pursue a career in the manufacturing or engineering industries. “I’m not entirely sure where I’ll land job-wise, but I hope to build a career in something related to manufacturing or engineering,” Martin shares. The experience Martin is gaining opens up limitless possibilities for his future.
