Marysville teen poised for career in diesel mechanics

EVERETT — Nicholas Jamieson, who turned 19 on Saturday, is a home-schooled Marysville student who is finishing his second year in the diesel mechanics program at the Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center in south Everett.

Question: What was it like to be home-schooled?

Answer: It was excellent. It allowed me to set my own pace. I was able to start in the diesel industry by 16.

Q: Where do you work?

A: At Van Dam (Repair) in Marysville. I work as a mechanic on diesel trucks. I started there as an apprentice at 16. I go to work in the afternoon from 12 to 5 p.m. It is real life. I stay busy. There is not a ton of free time.

Q: How did you end up interested in diesel mechanics?

A: When I was 15, my dad was driving a truck for a company. He would take me along and it was great. I’ve always learned a lot from him. I’ve always been interested (in mechanics).

Q: And Sno-Isle?

A: When I was 16, I attended a Sno-Isle Tech open house. It really struck me that this was an industry with opportunities. I wanted to be a part of it. I love working on trucks, learning the industry standards.

Q: So what you are learning in school applies at work?

A: I started both at nearly the same time. I kind of got my feet wet. I am able to apply what I learn here at work. I was very, very excited to learn what (teacher) Brent (Delfel) taught and to apply it and to run with it.

Q: Do you know what you are doing next year?

A: I’m enrolling at UTI (Universal Technical Institute) in Arizona. They offer a diesel program that is excellent. I’ll also be taking their Cummins Power Generator elective. (The company invests directly into the school’s labs to make sure the graduates are ready to work on the manufacturer’s diesel equipment.)

Q: I understand you just won a big state competition. Can you tell me about it?

A: I won a gold medal at the SkillsUSA (state competition) in diesel power technology. I spent several weeks honing my skills, really just preparing for the competition. Now, I’ll be going to the national competition in (Louisville,) Kentucky, (in June).

Q: That’s a big trip. Have you ever travelled that far?

A: The farthest I’ve ever travelled is Montana.

Q: Tell me about nationals?

A: I’m excited to try my best and I’m honored to have made it to the national competition.

Q: I understand you also did well in the state diesel competition last year.

A: Last year, I finished second place and they gave me a $5,000 scholarship. (This year) one of the prizes for winning state was a $10,000 scholarship.

Q: Were your parents excited?

A: I called right away my dad and told him. After that, I called my mom and then I called my girlfriend. I was very excited. It was almost like I was numb.

Q: When you were growing up, did you have a favorite subject?

A: Math was my favorite but one of the nice things about being home-schooled was I could go in the shop and work on things. I have always been interested in engines.

Q: Do you have a favorite book?

A: I do a lot of reading. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite book. Right now a lot of what I’m reading is information, like the history of diesel engines. I read everything from fantasy to technical (information).

Q: Do you have any siblings?

A: I’m the oldest of seven.

Q: Wow. What is that like?

A: In my family, it is a pleasure. It is an absolute pleasure. My family has a very tight bond.

Q: Will it be hard to go off to school?

A: I will miss them. It’s going to be an adventure. I’m excited and a little nervous.

Q: Are you involved in other activities, like church or sports?

A: I am a Christian. I go to church every Sunday and attend bible study. I also play softball (on a church team).

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I like to work on my truck.

Q: What do you drive?

A: A 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 (diesel).