News

A manufacturer had a hand in creating everything you touch. Scott Volk has witnessed the impact manufacturing has on everyday life since graduating from the Southeast Community College Manufacturing Engineering program in 1995.

“Manufacturing is one of the core industries that every other industry relies on,” Volk said. “Very few people realize the complexity of the network of manufacturers it takes to make the simplest things. Manufacturing was technology before technology was a thing, and it is a primary driving force of development and innovation.”

After graduating from SCC, Volk entered the manufacturing industry as a drafter and programmer for Wagner Tool and Engineering. While at Wagner he did everything from CNC programming to tool crib management to shipping and receiving to sales to systems development before moving into the manufacturing manager role. In 2002 he went to MetalQuest Unlimited in Hebron, Nebraska as a manufacturing engineer. By 2003 he was named vice president of the company.

“SCC gave me a hands-on education and exposure to real-world situations, allowing me to enter the workforce with skills I could use immediately,” he said. “I currently oversee the management and operations at MetalQuest which includes two locations and a remote workforce, lead process and systems development. I also manage customer and supplier relationships, and have a key role in defining business strategy.”

When searching for employees at MetalQuest, Volk prefers someone who is curious and has a strong desire to learn. He also looks for an employee who chips in where ever they are needed to help the team succeed. It is why he is supportive of SCC and the education students receive in the manufacturing programs. It will also close the tech skills gap.

“Tech careers keep everything in the world moving,” Volk explained. “Tech education is as important as any college degree.”

‌Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu