Manufacturing a New Path

"You can’t go wrong by coming to Francis Tuttle.”

When Nick Willman wanted to make a career pivot, he returned to Francis Tuttle Technology Center.

A 2016 graduate of Putnam City North High School, Willman began his journey at Francis Tuttle in 2014 in the Culinary Arts program. After nearly a decade in the culinary field, including five years as a chef, he decided to make a career change during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s when he turned once again to Francis Tuttle. 

“Francis Tuttle did right by me the first time, so I figured I would look into my options here,” Willman shared. 

His search led him to the Advanced Manufacturing program on the Portland Campus. There he discovered a career that would provide “limitless possibilities in different fields.” Willman embraced all the opportunities presented to him, including involvement in student organizations. A standout moment of his time in the program was traveling to Calgary, Canada, to compete in the 2024 ISA-SAIT Student Games, where his team finished in second place. 

Willman added that his instructor, Matt Maynard, was the one who “pushed me to do all those things and gave me those opportunities.”

“He completely changed the course of my future,” Willman shared. “He is what I would imagine I would aspire to be if I was going to be a teacher. He is 100 percent there for his students. Everything’s going to automation, so you’re going to have people who work in it, and his knowledge and passion for it is truly awe-inspiring.” 

Recently, Willman moved to North Carolina to work at a new facility opened by his employer, TGW Logistics. The company provides distribution automation solutions for large retailers like Urban Outfitters, Polo Ralph Lauren, US Foods, and Lowe’s, he explained. 

“Francis Tuttle is doing what it’s always done really great, which is finding young people jobs and careers,” Willman said. “I’ve always preached the technical route is a fantastic option for teenagers and adults. I personally didn’t want to do the four-year university option, and Francis Tuttle meets those needs for students who don’t want to go that route. You can’t go wrong by coming to Francis Tuttle.”