Skip to main content

Abigail Pritchard was drawn to the craft of carpentry

 


Abigail Pritchard was drawn to the craft of carpentry - the ability to apply knowledge and skill to fashion useful items and structures from raw materials. She graduated from Ranken Technical College with an Associate Degree in Carpentry and Building Construction Technology in May 2020.
Abby thrived in the program. Carpentry instructor John Davis noted her reliability and the fact she “always jumped in to help out.” In her second year, she especially enjoyed the ability to work on actual construction projects on properties owned by the Ranken Community Development Corporation (RCDC). “After learning the basics of carpentry and construction, my transition into an apprenticeship was as smooth as it could be,” Abigail tells us. Among her favorite memories is the day she helped install the roof trusses. “It was very satisfying seeing our house get one step closer to being closed off from the elements.”
Not long after graduation Abigail established herself on the west coast in Seattle, where she has family. Abby has worked for Mētis Construction on a variety of remodeling projects, uncovering timber and trusses and repurposing older buildings while restoring them to their former glory. Andy Madden, a project manager at Mētis, has been astounded by the new apprentice’s immediate impact. “She is a quick learner . . . with an amazing work ethic. Abby was well-prepared by Ranken; she is ready to work every day.”
Mētis is an organization committed to the tradition of the craftsperson contractor, and Abigail was also impressed by their dedication to equity and social justice. “The fact that it is worker-owned drew me to this company,” Abby observes. “I am loving my job and my mentors have been fantastic . . . I couldn't be happier in my new home.”
@rankentech, #rankentech

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kevin Cope graduated from Ranken’s IWT, Internet Website Technology, in 2018

  Kevin Cope graduated from Ranken’s IWT, Internet Website Technology, in 2018. He is now a Software Engineer for Mitek Residential Construction. Kevin tells us, “Ranken carries a reputation of excellence within St. Louis and its surrounding areas. Most local companies hire graduates straight out of Ranken because of their reputation and trust they’ll be hiring someone that meets the high standards Ranken expects from its students.” Shawn Lipe, Software Engineering Manager for MiTek, explains “I have been Kevin’s supervisor for a year now. Kevin has been a junior developer on a complex project that deals with workflow. He has been developing in many languages like C#, C++, and VB and been exposed to several different types of tech stacks including desktop applications, windows services, web micro services, and web development. Kevin has performed the role as scrum master, making sure our agile sprints were on track and our backlogs were in order for sprint plannings. Kevin seems ex...
Post a Comment
Read more

Walter ‘Joe’ Gillespie is a graduate from the Architectural Technology program

  Walter ‘Joe’ Gillespie is a graduate from the Architectural Technology program, class of 1988. As a high school student Joe knew he wanted to get an education but was not interested in a four-year degree. He wanted a degree that would prepare him for a job and Ranken fit the bill. “My education at Ranken was structured and taught me the work ethic that was desired by employers.” recalls Joe. “I knew from the time I was in fourth grade that I wanted to be an architect and that also influenced my decision to go to Ranken. Joe’s first job after graduation was at a small architecture firm in Edwardsville, IL that specialized in nursing and retirement homes. After 4 years at this firm, he took a job in civil engineering as a surveyor, where he worked for four years. Since then, he has been with the City of Highland, Il, for 27 years, where he started in construction inspection and design. He advanced to Engineering Technician, Assistant Director of Public Works and is now the Director...
Post a Comment
Read more

As President and CEO of R&S Machining, Inc, Thomas Roderick’s unparalleled determination and work ethic has made R&S Machining a leader in the aerospace industry, specializing in 4 & 5 axis aerospace components

 As President and CEO of R&S Machining, Inc, Thomas Roderick’s unparalleled determination and work ethic has made R&S Machining a leader in the aerospace industry, specializing in 4 & 5 axis aerospace components. Tom graduated Summa Cum Laude with a certification in Machine Shop in 1987 and later taught the Precision Machining program at Ranken Technical College from fall of 1989 to 1994. Tom tells us, “Ranken taught me that you can do whatever you put your mind to. Problem solving skills instilled a work ethic giving me the confidence to preserver in the face of adversity. It has allowed me to provide for my family in ways I never would have imagined.” After serving a two-year apprenticeship in a job shop, Tom took a position with McDonnell Douglas, headquartered at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. During his ten years at McDonnell Douglas, Tom developed a very strong passion for aerospace manufacturing and a spirited enthusiasm for bettering the business. R...
Post a Comment
Read more