Danville, VA — Brooke Nuckols, a dedicated Danville Community College student in the Precision Machining Technology (PMT) program, exemplifies passion, determination, and a commitment to excellence in her craft.
Brooke, a Lynchburg, Virginia native, commutes an hour each way, three days a week, to attend classes at DCC. Her dedication to her education is evident as she works toward earning her diploma in Precision Machining, with an expected graduation date of May 2025.
“I first heard about the PMT program from my brother, who graduated three years ago,” Brooke shared. “He had a great experience, and it inspired me to pursue this path. I knew DCC’s program would provide the hands-on training and support I needed to succeed.”
Brooke’s journey into machining began much earlier than her arrival at DCC. Growing up in her father’s machine shop, she spent years watching him work with intricate tools and machines. Over time, she gained an appreciation for the trade, which eventually transformed into a career aspiration.
“At first, I wasn’t interested in machining,” Brooke admitted. “But as I learned about the success you can achieve in this field with just a two-year program, I knew it was the right choice for me.”
Her experience at DCC has solidified that decision. “The faculty and staff have been incredibly supportive,” she said. “My teachers not only help me understand the technical skills but also encourage personal growth. I’ve felt supported every step of the way.”
Brooke credits DCC’s hands-on training and quality education with preparing her for a promising future.
"Brooke is a phenomenal student, and she is becoming a phenomenal machinist," said Joshua McDowell, Assistant Professor of Precision Machining Technology. "Her passion for learning this trade, coupled with her grit and dedication, means she can tackle pretty much any task she faces in the shop."
"I knew from our first week of class that Brooke was going to be a top tier student," said Joseph Distad, Assistant Professor of Precision Machining Technology. "Brooke's discipline and desire to get better at her craft every day undoubtedly sets her apart and she will be a great machinist and leader in any of the numerous organizations she will have an opportunity to join."
After graduation, she plans to enter the workforce, potentially with a company like BWX Technologies, Inc., where she can apply her skills in a professional setting. Long-term, she dreams of taking over her father’s machine shop, continuing the family legacy alongside her brother.
“The past two years have been worth every mile I’ve driven,” Brooke said. “DCC has exceeded my expectations in every way—from the quality of education to the dedication of the faculty. I feel confident and prepared to step into my career.”
"Brook exemplifies the quality of student our industry partners are in search of," Said Melissa Mann, Dean of Career & Technical Education. "She is dynamic, well-rounded, pays close attention to detail, brings fresh perspectives to the classroom and driven to achieve in a field that is typically dominated by males. She is leading the way for the next generation of female machinists and making a significant impact on her place in manufacturing. We are very proud of her accomplishments thus far and we can't wait to see what she does next!"
Brooke’s story reflects the core mission of DCC: providing students with the skills and support they need to succeed. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others considering a career in precision machining and highlights the value of the education offered at DCC.
Thinking about a career in Precision Machining? DCC is currently enrolling for the Spring 2025 PMT Cohort. Visit danville.edu/nextsteps to get started.
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