Ranken Technical College

  Nicole Betts, a 2000 graduate of Ranken’s Industrial Electricity/Electronics (IE) and 2006 Cum Laude grad of our Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Program, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Management. Nicole says, “My career path began at Ameren when I graduated from Ranken.” Michael Pallarito, Supervisor of Facilities Maintenance and Construction at Ameren, says “Nicole is a valued employee who took advantage of opportunities with Ameren to further herself in every possible way. She began in an entry level position and steadily worked her way up in our Office Mechanics Program with a combination of traditional schooling and extensive on-the-job training that escalated her to a Level of Full Building Mechanic and a leadership role within the Facilities and Maintenance Department. This can only be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to succeed.” Bill Layman, former Electrical instructor, explains “Nicole came to Ranken as on...

  Lauren Wimpee graduated from Ranken’s Automotive Collision Repair Technology program in May 2021. She recalls, “My favorite memory was when we were learning to refinish vehicles. We had a 2019 Camry in the shop, and it had a lot of new parts that needed painting. I spent a couple days painting everything with my instructor. It was really fun, and I learned a lot within those couple days of painting.” Tim Green, Automotive instructor explains, “Lauren served an internship with Schaefer Autobody while earning her degree at Ranken. She now works for Schaefer as a Service Writer. Lauren tells us, “Ranken has provided me plenty of information to use while performing my job. Although I don’t directly repair vehicles, I know the processes and can do smaller tasks if needed which makes my performance more efficient. Training to get into my position full-time was also done quicker since I had a better educational background.” Heather Sims, General Manager at Schaefer Autobody’s Fenton, Mi...

  Chett Miles graduated from Ranken’s Industrial Engineering Technology program in May 2021. He served an internship with Midwest Sterilization while he was working on his degree and is now a maintenance technician at Midwest. Chett says, “Ranken gave me a jump start on the maintenance field along with life skills.” Larry Calhoun, Maintenance Supervisor at Midwest Sterilization, explains “Chet has been a great addition to our team and has grown so much since I met him. He is patient and dependable and very hard working I appreciate everyday we are blessed to have him.” Jeremy Muscher, Maintenance Manager at Midwest, says “Chett has been full time with us for several months now and has become an integral part of our team. He adapted to our routines and learned our process quickly. He was able to work independently and fill a spot in our on-call rotation immediately after finishing his internship. He works seamlessly alongside team members with far more experience. He has an excellen...

Brian Pohl graduated from Ranken’s Industrial Electricity program in May 1995. He is the Owner and Operator of Affordable Seamless Gutters. Since opening in 2001, Brian explains “We have seen just about every possible problem or unique situation a customer can have with gutters. We have proudly served St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren and St. Louis Counties for 20 years.” Brian says, “Although I did not follow through with the trade I received a degree in, I learned important skills that I still use today. I feel Ranken laid the foundation for my being the business person I am today. My favorite memories while attending Ranken are the friendships I made with classmates and hanging out with them.” Brian’s nephew, Greg Rich, also attended Ranken. He graduated from the Control Systems Technology program in 2005. Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/