Skip to main content

Christopher Mills graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ranken’s Plumbing Technology Program


Christopher Mills graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ranken’s Plumbing Technology program in May 2021. Ranken offers a nine-month certificate in Plumbing. The program is highly regarded in the Greater St. Louis area. Students get hands on training through Ranken’s Community Development Corporation (RCDC), working on real residential job sites, installing all the plumbing components in accordance with the Universal Plumbing Code.

Following graduation, Chris joined Grasse & Associates, a plumbing and fire protection contractor, as a Plumber Pre Apprentice. Lou Grasse, President, Grasse & Associates, says “[Chris] has only been with us for a few months, but he is great.”
“In lieu of the decline of skill trades workers, Ranken’s education has significantly helped me secure my career trajectory,” says Chris. “The field needs plumbers and Ranken helped me get my foot in the door. Definitely one of the best decisions I ever made.” Chris values becoming a member of Local 562 with his friends and fellow peers.

Stephen Felling, Plumbing instructor, tells us “Chris is intelligent and gets along with everyone. He is focused and completes tasks in a timely manner with a high degree of proficiency. Chris willingly accepts challenges, analyzing tasks and breaking them down. His calm, confident demeanor puts people around him at ease. I have no doubt Chris will have an outstanding career and positively influence everyone privileged to work with him.”

David Prost, Plumbing instructor, recalls “Every time I needed a special project done on campus, I asked Chris if he would lead the crew. He is one of those quiet, strong leaders that others naturally follow. One of his strengths is taking instruction extremely well. I liked to give him tasks above his skill set; it was fun and rewarding to watch him rise to the occasion. Chris came up in a tough environment as a young man. He put himself through trade school in a program that appealed to him; now he is reaping the rewards. I couldn't be happier for him. I'm proud to say I had the honor and pleasure of being part of his Ranken experience.”

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path
http://www.grasse.com
#rankentech #plumbing #tech

Comments

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 excite

Tonisha Harvey graduated from Ranken’s Electrical Automation Technology program in May 2020

Tonisha Harvey graduated from Ranken’s Electrical Automation Technology program in May 2020. She will complete her BS in Applied Management in 2021. “Having my degree in Electrical Automation, I was able to bypass the training process necessary to become a maintenance helper. I am currently a maintenance technician apprentice at Anheuser-Busch Brewery (ABB), a 2-year program,” explains Tonisha. “I’m the 1st set of eyes on any machine or press, so I find problems early on, ensuring the machines are properly oiled and lubricated. I assist the maintenance team, coordinate weekly orders, and operate all moving vehicles at ABB including forklifts, scissor lifts, and boom trucks.” Highly motivated students are in great demand in industry; Ranken faculty are proud to recommend these high performers. Nick Weatherly, electrical instructor, says “Tonisha was a student of mine. She impressed me with her dogged determination, work ethic, and initiative. At just over 4 feet tall and less than 100 p

Prior to the Covid pandemic, the construction business was booming

Prior to the Covid pandemic, the construction business was booming. Like other industries, the epidemic has had a negative impact on workforce and supply chain issues. Infrastructure projects rely on public funding and the economic health of the nation. The Civil Quarterly, published by Dodge Data & Analytics, states the Commercial Construction Index, that gauges the strength of the industry, plummeted from 74 to 55 between the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2020. Times like this, when furloughs and layoffs occur, call for ingenuity and persistence. Daniel Otten possesses those very qualities. He began his career doing foundation, plumbing, and masonry work, then pursued electrical technology at Lincoln Tech in Indiana. Daniel joined the Navy in 2012, serving until 2016. As an aviation structural mechanic 3rd class, he worked on the MH-60 Sierra Helicopter and served on three aircraft carriers during training maneuvers. Daniel utilized the G.I. Bill to attend Ranken. “Ranken has given me t