Metallica Scholar, CMM student given tools for success at ECTC

ECTC Computerized Manufacturing and Machining student Dylan Kerr says the college has given him the tools to be successful after graduating – both figuratively and literally. The recent Metallica Scholar has created items he can use in his career, such as an aluminum brass hammer, but he also has built up his soft skills.

“My biggest challenge has been having to fix my work ethic,” he said. “It took me awhile to get comfortable with my classes and classmates, but I’ve been getting better and better at focusing on the work that needs to be done.”

Kerr came to ECTC by way of Elizabethtown High School. While there, he toured the ECTC campus and liked the programs available – especially the ones that offered hands-on learning and a hands-on career.

“I can’t sit in a classroom all day and listen to a lecture but not actually do the work,” Kerr said. “For a while I didn’t think I’d be good at this, but once I got past that I realized I could do it. It’s been a nice trade of rewards and challenges. Some projects have been really fun to do, and we’ve been able to make things we could take home and use in our career down the line.”

Kerr credits CMM Program Coordinator Thomas Metcalf with helping improve by checking in on him and providing guidance on areas of improvement.

“Dylan has improved so much in the time he’s been at ECTC,” Metcalf said. “I’m proud of all he’s accomplished, both personally and in the classroom. He’s very deserving of this scholarship.”

Kerr will graduate in December 2025. Becoming a Metallica Scholar and earning the Metallica Scholars scholarship means that the time and effort he’s putting in is worth it, he said.

“It’s given me a positive reinforcement and shows me that I’m doing well, and I can keep going,” he said. “If I ever have a rough day, I can look to this award to see that my hard work is paying off.”