STCC student turns academic pivot into opportunity at Pratt & Whitney

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A poster about Pratt & Whitney internships stopped Ekaterina “Kate” Okhrimenko in her tracks.

“There was a poster of a big jet engine,” recalled Okhrimenko, a Springfield Technical Community College student. “I remember thinking, what is this? I just knew I wanted this internship.”

This May, Okhrimenko expects to graduate from STCC with an associate degree in Advanced Manufacturing Technology. She will move directly into a full-time role with the global aerospace company after being hired as an intern and later retained as a part-time co-op student.

For Okhrimenko, her educational journey was not a straight line. As a high school student nearly 10 years ago, she participated in dual enrollment at STCC and joined a STEM preparation program. While learning about science, technology, engineering and math fields, she believed her future was in healthcare.

“I was debating engineering technology or nursing, and then I decided I would go for nursing,” she said. “But I always remembered what the STEM program director told me: if medicine doesn’t work out, come back for engineering technology.”

Nursing, however, was ultimately not the fit. Discovering she had a severe reaction to blood – even fainting during labs – Okhrimenko realized she was forcing herself into a career that didn’t match her strengths.

“I love math. My favorite subject in school was geometry,” she said. “Advanced manufacturing technology just fits me better.”

While searching for direction, Okhrimenko landed a job in a machine shop in Connecticut, an opportunity that would change everything. She worked in the quality department alongside her cousin, inspecting parts.

“It felt like a miracle that they hired me,” she said. “No degree, no interview. I just started working.”

At the shop, she learned hands-on inspection, basic programming and quality processes. But she soon realized that if she wanted to grow, and move beyond the limits of a small operation, she needed formal education.

Kate wants to understand the full manufacturing process, which is exactly what we strive for every student to do. Lineisha Dominicci-Rosario, Advanced Manufacturing Technology professor

“I wanted to learn everything,” she said. “Machining, programming, CAD (computer-aided design), inspection – all of it. And I knew I had to go back to college.”

Okhrimenko’s dedication and curiosity have stood out to her professors as well. “From the beginning, Kate was very eager to learn and asked many questions,” said Lineisha Dominicci-Rosario, Advanced Manufacturing Technology program coordinator.

“We want students who are eager to learn and understand every part of the manufacturing process,” Dominicci-Rosario said. “She’s the type of student who schedules time with professors to ask questions about class and about opportunities. Kate wants to understand the full manufacturing process, which is exactly what we strive for every student to do.”

Dr. Miah Dreger, Dean of STEM, said Okhrimenko’s journey reflects the college’s mission to prepare students for high-demand careers. “Kate’s success is a powerful example of how hands-on learning, strong faculty support, and industry partnerships come together to create real opportunities for our students,” the dean said. “Her transition from the classroom to a global company like Pratt & Whitney shows the impact of our Advanced Manufacturing Technology program and highlights how women are helping shape the future of manufacturing, technology, and engineering.”

Now in her second year in the program, Okhrimenko says STCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology curriculum confirmed she had made the right decision.

The program gives students access to industry-grade tools and software, from modeling and inspection platforms to CNC (computer numerical control) programming systems, allowing them to build real-world skills before entering the workforce. Students work with software used in the industry, including SolidWorks, Mastercam, Vericut and Calypso.

“You have so much opportunity to learn,” Okhrimenko said. “These programs are very expensive in industry, and the school gives you access to them. That makes a big difference.”

Even more important, she said, are the projects that mirror real manufacturing workflows.

“When a teacher gives you a project starting with the drawing, then the blueprint, then the CNC work, and then inspection, you see the entire process,” she said. “You understand how everything connects.”

Okhrimenko was intentional about earning her internship. She sought out professors for advice, focused on strengthening her CAD and design skills and made sure she excelled in the courses she knew would be critical.

“I went to the instructor specifically to do better in SolidWorks,” she said. “I knew I needed that for the internship.”

Her preparation paid off.

After completing a summer internship at Pratt & Whitney, she asked her manager if she could stay on. He agreed, and she now works part time while completing her final semester. She expects to transition into a full-time role shortly after graduation.

“When I found out they wanted to keep me, I was really happy,” she said. “I knew I wasn’t mistaken in wanting this internship.”

Before entering manufacturing, Okhrimenko spent time working in a hospital setting as a student nurse. While she ultimately changed majors, she believes that experience shaped her professionally.

“I became better at understanding people and communicating,” she said. “I learned empathy. I was exposed to new cultures and different personalities, and that helped me later in every job I had.”

She also credits her academic path, which included courses in biology, psychology, sociology, microbiology, nutrition and technical math, with strengthening her ability to think critically and work with others.

Born in Kazakhstan, Okhrimenko’s native language is Russian. She came to the United States when she was just one year old. She graduated from West Springfield High School.

As a woman entering advanced manufacturing, Okhrimenko believes visibility and opportunity matter.

“Companies want diversity, and they encourage women to be in this field,” she said. “I feel very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”

She hopes more students, and especially young women, realize that manufacturing and engineering are not limited by gender.

“There’s a stereotype that girls are for health careers and guys are for manufacturing careers,” she said. “But sometimes you’re just better at math, and an engineering technology field might be a better fit, no matter if you’re a man or a woman.”

Now 27, Okhrimenko is completing her degree tuition-free through MassReconnect, a program for students 25 and older. She encourages others to explore the opportunity if college feels financially out of reach.

“It’s not that expensive, especially with MassReconnect,” she said. “If you have the desire and the opportunity, go for it.”

Younger students may be eligible for free community college through MassEducate.

When she imagines the next few years, she sees herself continuing to grow at Pratt & Whitney – possibly in drafting or design, and building a long-term career in manufacturing.

“I really like what I’m doing,” she said. “I would like to stay with the company.”

Looking back, Okhrimenko says choosing STCC was one of the best decisions she could have made.

“It’s definitely been a good experience,” she said. “I have no regrets choosing STCC. I’m really happy I had this opportunity to get an education and to find the career that truly fits me.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812

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