Emergency Medical Technician: James Kidd
“I was in construction for five years making really good money. Once the economy crashed, there wasn’t any money there any longer. I knew I had to get a new career that wasn’t dependent on the economy. So I decided to retrain. I went to Manatee Technical Institute and I spent four months training as an EMT. Once I got that training, I was hired on by Manatee County, where I now work. It’s a very stable career and a very rewarding career. I’m glad I made this move. I’m so glad; I re-enrolled to train as a paramedic. When I’m done with my paramedic training in approximately three months I will immediately be promoted…and my wages will be increased.”

Culinary Student: Derrick O’Gara
“I started the MTI Culinary program about 2 years ago because I love eating! My family has a history of culinary arts - there are 8 chefs in my family, so I wanted to continue the tradition. (My father is a chef and I wanted to finish his legacy.) I truly love all aspects of this program, but my favorite part is always trying to prove myself – each day is a challenge. After graduation, I plan to continue at Johnson & Wales University. After I finish school, I have high hopes for working in the hotel and resort industry or the cruise line business. Preparing banquets is my true passion – anything from weddings to conventions. I love it!”

In-Home Appliance Technician: Paul Labbe
“I was a truck driver, and I was losing more money than I was making. I was 44 years old: I had to reinvest in a million-mile truck and take out a loan for $136,000 or go back to school and get another career. So I went back to school. MTI gave me the skills to…find work as an in-home appliance technician. Currently I’m making more money now than I did my last year of truck driving.”

Licensed Massage Therapist: Brian Gravely
“In March 2009 I lost my job. I was working in construction. I was a supervisor for a concrete cutting company. Due to the economy, the company went out of business. Within a year’s time I chose to go back to school to get an education to try to go a different career path. Something I’ve always enjoyed doing is working with my hands and helping other people, and massage therapy was a great way to do that. I went to Manatee Technical Institute to the massage therapy program. Less than a year later, I have my license and I’m able to go back to work in a more lucrative career.”

Law Enforcement Student: Brandon Clark
“I got into the MTI Law Enforcement program because I’m a ‘people person’ and I wanted a career that I could help people. I want to serve my community and give back. I love literally everything about this program – the MTI instructors have a dynamic approach to every training block and they uphold the professionalism that is expected in this field. After graduation, I plan to start my career immediately, working for the county I live in.”

Administrative Assistant: Alvina Richardson
“I first heard about MTI because I had lost my job. I’d been in the secretarial field all my career but I had an opportunity to enhance what I already knew…and re-create myself. So MTI gave me that offer by introducing me to the business technical classes. The outcome for me was very good because … I was able to take that and create something called “Consulting Logistics,” because I had just lost my husband, I had been laid off, and I needed to know where I am going to go now. It really worked out for me to go to MTI. If I didn’t have MTI, I probably would have been still looking for a job.”

Web Design Student: Bianca Holland
“The reason I came to MTI was to learn a new skill in my line of work. I have an extensive design background, but I wanted to learn the coding aspect of web design. Through the program, I’ve learned a lot of business skills. My favorite part of class is the hands-on training we get. Students really build a resume as we’re in class; we already have a portfolio to present and are able to make money right out of school. After graduation, I plan on building my own multimedia business. The company will offer web design, digital media, and print media.”

Automotive: Kerry Miskowsky
“I decided to come to MTI because of the great location – it is the closest school that offers the Automotive Technician Program. I like the people here; MTI offers a fun learning environment. I picked this program because I can get my AA from SCF upon completion, which is my ultimate goal. After I finish school, I want to rebuild classics!”

Cosmetology: Turquoise Mabry
“I enrolled in the MTI Cosmetology program because I thought it was a great school for me to start my career. There is a lot of hands-on learning involved in class. I’ve always wanted to do hair, updos, and everything else that goes into cosmetology; I want to learn everything that MTI can teach me. My favorite part of the program is that I can actually work on clients! After graduation I want to start out as a receptionist at a salon. Once I learn the business, my goal is to open my own salon.”

Dental Assisting: Mary Anne Nealy
“A good friend of mine convinced me to enroll is MTI’s Dental Assisting program. Because of the bad economy, I really wanted to train for a career that would be long term. I didn’t want to worry, “Is this job still going to be here tomorrow?” I heard that MTI was the best place to get this type of training. The greatest part of this program is the high-tech equipment. I learn so much from the technology that MTI has to offer. After graduation, I will complete one year of Dental Assisting. After that, I would like to become a Hygienist.”

Accounting Operations Student: Aundrea Britt
“In this program, I’m learning accounting basics. I am also a Work Study Student; I get to practice what I’ve learned in a real office setting. The reason I joined the program was because I want to start my own computer business. I feel owning my own business is the best way I can give back to the community. That way, I can help people each day.”

Automotive Tech Student: Henrique Romero
“I got into the automotive program because I like to work with my hands and I like to help people. I knew this would be a good career to be able to do that. After completing the program, I want to get into the automotive industry. I am also considering owning my own shop one day. The most important skill I have learned in the program is electrical work. You can’t fix even a lawnmower today without knowing the electrical basics!”

Boat Building Student: James Loggins
“I have always wanted to build things, and I have always loved the water. I put two and two together and thought this program was perfect. There is a lot of hands-on experience every day, and that is the best part of learning. Boat building is a long process, and you have to take your time on a mold, but once you have finished, you know it will be perfect forever; that makes it worth it.”

Cosmetology Student: Sarah Williams
“I love creating new hair styles! I have been cutting my dad’s hair for two years now, so I thought I would enjoy it as a career. I did some research and decided to enroll in Manatee Technical Institute’s Cosmetology program. My sister graduated from MTI, as well. It is great!  The Cosmo program is really hands on, which gives all of the students great training and experience for the future.”

Culinary Arts Student: Gabrielle Campos
“I got into MTI’s Culinary Arts program because my career goal is to become a pastry chef at a resort. I love to bake! The bake shop here is my favorite – I work on cakes, cookies, and candies. I also enjoy the catering aspect of the program. I’ve gotten to bake for many events, and I’ve had a lot of fun. The instructors here are great. The most important lesson I’ve learned is how to work as part of a team to get the job done.”

Fire Fighter Student: Justin Badgley
“I got into the MTI Fire Science program because I wanted to make fire fighting my career (24 hours on and 48 hours off sounded pretty good!). In class, we get to actually practice fighting fires: I have fought LPG propane tank fires, car fires, and structure fires. My goal is to become a Fire Fighter and work my way up to Battalion Chief. This career is very rewarding because I get to help the community and save lives.”

Law Enforcement Student: James O’Brien
“I worked for years as a New York City Police Officer and after that, a NYC Fireman. I now plan to re-enter the Law Enforcement field. Manatee Technical Institute’s Law Enforcement program provides a great foundation to build upon. The course is extremely professional, well run, and offers top-of-the-line facilities. I believe this is an amazing beginning for my future in Law Enforcement in Florida.”