When Anthony Cartmell of Russellville was a student at Logan County High School, he thought he wanted to be an automotive mechanic. In fact, his plans were to take automotive technology classes at the Russellville Area Technology Center (RACT) and then complete his training at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC). However, when he tried to sign up for the automotive classes, he was told the class was full and he would have to pick another program.

By happenstance, he enrolled in the Machine Tool program at RATC, and the rest, as they say, is history. He found a true passion for Advanced Manufacturing.  In fact, Anthony, while attending RACT, won the Gold Medal in the Regional Skills USA competition in Machining.

By the time Anthony enrolled at SKYCTC in the Computerized Manufacturing and Machining Technology Program, he had a good foundation in lathes and milling machines and the fundamentals of applied machining, and he had a real love of the craft.

When CGS Machine and Tool called the college looking for someone to work part-time while attending school, Anthony’s name surfaced.

“Anthony is one of those students who has a real knack for advanced manufacturing and machining,” says Brian Sparks, associate professor of Engineering Technology at SKYCTC.

The flexible schedule at SKYCTC allowed him to work at CGS while going to school. He was able to come to work in the evenings and apply what he’d learned that day in class at SKYCTC.

“Every class I took at SKYCTC applied to what I do at CGS,” says Anthony.  “In fact, one class I never thought I would use in my job, algebra, I have never stopped using since I left school,” he said.

A 2006 graduate of LCHS, he and his wife Katie Jane have been married since 2012. Their family lives in Auburn.