Ranken Technical College

  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...

  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...

  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/

Nick Hufker graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Precision Machining Program in May 2021. He was the recipient of the Gene Haas Scholarship in 2020. Nick says, “I have been financially paying for my college education and this [scholarship] will be of great help in paying for some of my expenses.” In a letter to the scholarship committee, he wrote “I respect and value highly the work you do to keep such an amazing foundation available for newcomers in the machining industry.” Nick currently works as a Setup Machinist at R&S Machining, the who’s who of the manufacturing machining world, producing Aerospace components. Matthew Roderick, Lead Programmer for R&S Machining, and Ranken alum explains “Nick is a great worker! Since he began working here, he has been respectful, hardworking, quality orientated, and always striving to learn. Nick started in our 3axis department stock prepping parts at night, and then quickly excelled to gain more responsibility. He currently works in our 5a...

  James Green says, “Learning the base tools and what was necessary at the job, was my best takeaway from Ranken, the greatest being structure.” He earned his degree in Internet Web Based Technology May 2009. He is now the Director of Field Services for Verve Industrial Protection. John Livingston, CEO, Verve Industrial Protection, explains “One of the most challenging things about hiring young people is how to spot potential leaders. Leadership is hard to teach, but it has foundational elements: being responsive, having a ‘can do’ attitude, being able to solve new problems, not just knowing the answer to old ones. James was leadership material from the day we met him. He ‘got’ how to work within a team, how to ‘own’ a problem or task and not just do the minimum. His technical abilities are very strong. What sets him apart is his ability to lead. That leadership appeared in his early roles as an individual contributor to projects. It shines particularly as he has grown into buildin...

If you invest your time and money in college, it needs to pay off. Too many students graduate from college with big debt and then struggle to find a job doing what they spent all that time and money studying. Career and technical education is different. Graduates from high-quality technical colleges don’t struggle to find jobs in their fields – they’re in high demand. There are currently more job openings than workers in most technical careers, and employers recognize the importance of technical education in training the workforce they need. When employers have to compete for skilled talent, there are huge benefits for technical college graduates: Higher starting salaries More job opportunities to pick from Less lag time from graduation to employment There’s great long-term potential, because these labor shortages are expected to continue – or even get worse – for at least the next decade. This means that the value of highly skilled workers will only increase. Between the number of job...

Matthew Mays graduated with a Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Technology in May 2018. He acknowledges, “I was able to change careers while attending Ranken’s welding program, which put me in a position for a more hands-on approach in my trade with more upward mobility. I believe going through the welding program gave me an advantage over others when I applied for a position at Airgas.” Airgas is an Air Liquide company, a leading single-source supplier of gases, welding equipment and supplies, and safety products. Matt was hired as an Inside Sales Associate at Airgas (Pacific location) in October 2017. His prior welding experience and being enrolled at Ranken made him top pick. January 2021, he was asked to join a new Airgas team as an Outside Sales Support Specialist. Matt oversees sales operations at five locations, “from soup to nuts.” Debra Alexander, Outside Sales Support Manager for Airgas, tells us “I refer to Matt as a rock star! He’s always on time, fully loaded and read...

James Green says, “Learning the base tools and what was necessary at the job, was my best takeaway from Ranken, the greatest being structure.” He earned his degree in Internet Web Based Technology May 2009. He is now the Director of Field Services for Verve Industrial Protection. John Livingston, CEO, Verve Industrial Protection, explains “One of the most challenging things about hiring young people is how to spot potential leaders. Leadership is hard to teach, but it has foundational elements: being responsive, having a ‘can do’ attitude, being able to solve new problems, not just knowing the answer to old ones. James was leadership material from the day we met him. He ‘got’ how to work within a team, how to ‘own’ a problem or task and not just do the minimum. His technical abilities are very strong. What sets him apart is his ability to lead. That leadership appeared in his early roles as an individual contributor to projects. It shines particularly as he has grown into building and ...

 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...

 “Ranken helps most students obtain a sense of a scheduled, orderly life with rules you must follow no matter how ridiculous students may think they are,” says Colton Knowles. “The classes were very balanced in ratio of students-to-instructors, which alleviated the challenge of receiving instructive, one-on-one clarity when you simply asked for it.” Students in the St. Louis campus Construction Division programs use their skills to build houses in the neighborhood through our nonprofit Ranken Community Development Corporation (RCDC). They receive construction training in a “learn by doing” style, supervised by our faculty in every facet of construction. Colton enjoyed plumbing those houses with his class during the winter of 2019. Most of his classmates had never been a part of a “build” before and he enjoyed seeing everybody’s reaction to the physical demands and know-how required when piping a house together. He says, “You learn a lot about the people you thought you knew when yo...

Adam Blattel is much like many talented adults who spend years in search of their niche. Adam graduated with an Associate Degree in Automotive Maintenance Technology in May 2003. He returned to Ranken the fall term of 2019 as an evening student to pursue a two-year certificate in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC), graduating in December 2020. Adam is a HVAC Technician at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Benjamin Brown, HVAC Section Supervisor at Scott Air Force Base and HVAC instructor at Ranken Technical College, tells us “Adam was in my residential HVAC class. He was very serious about his education. He worked hard in class and asked lots of questions; his communication skills are outstanding. Adam applied for a temporary position at Scott AFB in the 375th HVAC Shop. This is a great way to gain experience working on all types of commercial, residential, and institutional equipment just coming out of school. He was hired as an apprentice but is working at a...

Stephen “Andrew” Taylor graduated in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Technology. He served an internship at Frontenac Engineering Group after completion of the first year of his program, then began working at Crown C. Supply during the summer after his second year. Andrew is currently a Draftsman and Taper System Estimator @ Crown Supply where he is appreciated for his contributions. Dave Kelly, Assistant Branch Manager at Crown Supply, explains “Andrew is very skilled in Auto-Cad and Revit, and most of his work at this location is with Auto-Cad. He is organized and understands prioritizing work on deadlines. He was able to hit the ground running after his time interning with us prior to accepting a full-time position. Andrew understands workflow and adjusts ‘on the fly’ to changes based on customer requests. He is a dedicated worker, is on time, and works extra time as needed to fulfill needs during peak times. Andrew is willing to perform any task workin...

Nour Fuqa began her collegiate journey in the Architectural Engineering program at Birzeit University in Palestine. When s he and her family moved to the United States in 2016, Nour wanted to continue her studies. “Ranken was recommended by a friend who is a Ranken alumna,” she said. “Besides being a good program, the hire rate for graduation is extremely high from Ranken.” Nour graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ranken Technical College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture in 2019. She has recently been awarded a Director’s Scholarship from Washington University in St. Louis to pursue her master’s degree in architecture.   Nour is an architectural assistant for HT Design, LLC in St. Louis. Duane Thompson, Principal, HT Design, appreciates having Nour on his team. “ During this challenging last year, Miss Fuqa has been a great team member and reliable asset,” he said. “She has shown great capacity for putting together construction drawing sets including researching code...

David Munie graduated from Ranken’s Plumbing Technology program in 1990. He took the post of Plumbing Department Chair and Instructor at Ranken in 2015. Since that time, Dave has been writing curriculum and teaching day students the craft of plumbing. He also maintains a departmental budget and does an incredible job of recruiting future plumbers for our industry. Dave has increased enrollment in Ranken’s Plumbing Technology program four-fold in the past five years. With Dave’s ingenuity and imagination, Ranken now has a state-of-the-art three-story plumbing laboratory. “[The structure has] 43 bathrooms, so every student’s going to put full bathrooms in. They’re going to do laundries, kitchens, water heaters . . . and we’re going to turn it on, he says, we’re growing great plumbers from the ground up.” Dave, Master Plumber, has been a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 101 in Belleville, Illinois for 27 years. He’s been a leader in charge of many different facets of the plumbing ...

Miguel Anthony “Tony” Raya graduated with an Associate Degree in Architectural Drafting in May 1991. He worked as an architectural technologist for The Korte Company following graduation. In August 2000, Tony joined HOK Architects’ St. Louis Studio as a Senior Project Architect. HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm. In 2020, the Saint Louis Business Journal named HOK both the area’s largest architecture firm and largest interior design firm. HOK announced July 19, 2021, that Tony Raya had been promoted to Technical Principal. Dennis Nieweg, former Ranken architecture instructor, recollects "Tony was an outstanding student who set a great example for his fellow students. He handled adversity well and worked with and encouraged his classmates to work hard and do their best as well. It is very helpful for a teacher to have a student like Tony who sets their standards high and promotes great work ethics that classmates can look up to and follow." T...

Kyle Neely graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2007 with a degree in Automotive Collision Repair (ACR). He is employed as a Technician by Schaefer Autobody Centers. Kristen Henry, a Sales & Marketing Lead at Schaefer, is impressed by his skills and willingness to help peers. “[Kyle] is a pillar of Schaefer Autobody Centers and we are proud he joined our team in 2008. Ranken produces high caliber technicians and we look forward to continuing to hire Ranken graduates.” Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kyle Neely has made a major impact on social media. As the host of YouTube channel BlueCollarKyle , he provides a look behind the scenes of collision repair. Kyle produces step-by-step videos of various projects while providing valuable tips to industry professionals and laypersons alike. The channel has produced over 750 videos with a cumulative total of over 4.5 million views! BlueCollarKyle also has a strong presence on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Tik Tok. Kyle is a tru...

  Zach Darr graduated in May 2015 from Ranken’s Precision Machining Technology program. Zack is deservedly proud of the path he has taken and the skills he’s acquired in the field. “The machinist certificate gave me a foundational skill set that got my foot in the door. My on-the-job training has led to an excellent career in the industrial maintenance mechanic field,” he says. “Before coming to CBRE ( Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis group) I was a machinist apprentice for Hydromat, building, installing, and servicing machinery. I'm currently a Service Technician 3 for facilities, robotics, and machinery at CBRE St. Louis.  I’m a millwright, experienced in electrical, fabrication and control systems, and this all began with making the decision to have a trade skill as my foundation.”   Wayne Perkins, Maintenance Manager STL 9, CBRE, explains “I have been working with Zach for about 6 months. He is one of my Tech 3’s, which is a Lead. Zach loves challenges and does a gr...