Legal Administrative Specialist: Sandra Zapata
“After graduating from Bayshore High School, I thought MTI would be a great way to get a really good education in a short amount of time. I’m excited for the next step – I have an externship at a law firm. I’ve always been extremely interested in the legal field and I love to do research. Family law is my favorite. I am currently deciding if I’d like to be a paralegal or if I want to pursue my law degree.”

Boat Building: William Pitts
“Before coming to MTI, I was working in the field of computers. I decided I loved Florida and I loved boats. I didn’t know anything about boating and now I’m having a ball! First, I graduated from the Marine Service Technology program and started my own business. So many customers needed repairs to the bodies of their boats so I decided to come back to learn that side of the business in the Boat Building program. I love getting old boats and returning them to new. I bought a boat for $400, remodeled it, and sold it for $10,000. I love the hands-on learning in class. I’ve learned from the two greatest instructors in the world!”

Practical Nursing: Alishia Hollimon
“I came to MTI to combine my LPN with my BA degree in order to work as a discharge planner/case manager in a medical setting. I love the LPN program here because of the small class setting. It means you are able to have a better report with the staff. My ultimate goal is to manage health related issues in our county in a preventative manner.”

Culinary Arts: Kylie White
“I always liked cooking and was interested in learning more, so I decided to come to MTI. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to become a cook or a pastry chef. After being in class, I know I want to be a pastry chef. My favorite part of the program is working in the Bake Shop. I’ve discovered I love making cakes and that I’m actually really good! I love that we get feedback from everyone in class. We are all proud of our creations and it makes it ten times better to hear what people have to say. My dream job is to open my own bakery in California – right on the beach!”

Pharmacy Technician: Kyle Koeing
“I decided to come to MTI and join the Pharmacy Technician program to create a brighter future for myself. I wanted to learn from a national renowned school. My favorite part of the program is when we learn about retail and hospital settings. Working with fake customers can be quite thrilling! My plan after graduation is to continue my education and become a pharmacist.”

Law Enforcement: Cole Graig
“I enrolled in the Law Enforcement Academy at MTI because I wanted to have an impact on people’s lives. I was looking for a career that would last a lifetime, not just a job. My favorite part of class is the training range and the real life scenarios we practice. The instructors are great here – they have so many good stories to share. After graduation, I want to work for an agency in the area. My dream job is to be on a SWAT team.”

Dental Assisting: Yolinda Price
“The Dental Assisting field is so interesting – there is so much I never knew. I enrolled in MTI to provide a future for my child. I love the lab experience and interacting with people. MTI provides high tech equipment for learning. I have a lot of people in my family and 7 are Dental Assistants. It’s a family tradition! After graduation, I want to work in pediatric dentistry.”

Automotive Technology: Devin Hurley
“I decided to enroll in the Automotive Technology program at Manatee Technical Institute to get certified in the best field that I could. What I like most about this program is the combination of the education, like book work, plus the actual hands on experience. After graduation, I plan to open my own shop.”

Electricity: Steven Schmitt
“Before coming to MTI, I did flooring work for 20 years. I was a displaced worker and wanted to learn a new trade. The best part of the Electricity program is the hands-on experience we get. Books have good information, but when we learn hands-on, it’s just like working in the field. After graduation, my plan is to get my Journeyman license and get the best possible career for me.”

Massage Therapy: Lynnette Riffel
“I got into the Massage Therapy program to achieve a personal goal; it was a lucrative financial decision, as well. I love the personal connection between classmates here at MTI. We really bond and find ways to educate each other. After graduation, I would like to hit the ground running. Within a year, I’d like to be in a spa or medical setting. My dream job is to work at Moffitt Cancer Center.”

Boat Building: Robert Figueroa
“I got in to the Boat Building program at MTI because the composite industry is such a big field. It's not just about boats - composites can be used for race cars and airplanes, too. In class, we learn about everything you can imagine. My favorite part of the program is the hands-on work. We read books and learn the names of chemicals but we also get to mix those chemicals ourselves. The Boat Building instructor teaches us so many techniques; a great teacher makes a big difference. After graduation, I plan to become a manager at a company that works with boats.”

Pharmacy Technician: Jordan Fletcher
“I got into this program because I wanted to do something with my life that helped other people, behind the scenes. I picked the Pharmacy Technician program because I will feel grateful for helping the public in my career. My favorite part of class is learning about all the different drugs, the milligrams, what they treat, and the side effects. MTI is a really nice school and out teacher is awesome! After graduation, I want to work in a hospital pharmacy. At the hospital, I will dispense medicine directly to the patients in a specialized setting.”

Emergency Medical Technician: Josh Brown
“I got into the EMT program at MTI because many of my family members are involved in the field; it's something I've always wanted to do. My favorite part of the program is the scenarios we do in class. The in-depth, hands-on learning is much better than reading a book, word for word. After graduation, I plan to take more classes to further my education. My goal is to work with a fire department and start a steady career.”

Surgical Technician: Heather Allen
“I decided to become a Surgical Technologist because there is always something new to learn in this field. There is never the same procedure going on in the operating room. The part of the program that I truly love is the clinical rotations! It's a chance to really get out there and experience many types of procedures. I can't say enough about out instructor; her passion inspires us and gives us drive. After school I want to find a job doing what I love - having fun is so important!”

Hospitality & Tourism: Laura Peduzzi
“I decided to get into the Travel and Tourism program at Manatee Technical Institute because I have a passion for travel. The class is extremely informative and we have a great instructor that teaches us all about geography. The travel industry is alive and well! After graduation, I want to become a Travel Agent.”

Web Design: Betsy Pryor
“Before coming to MTI, I was the Senior Art Director of CBS in Los Angeles. I now own a small business and have had bad luck with Web Masters. I decided I would enroll in a Web Design program and become my own Web Master. I researched schools and MTI had the best reputation and was an award winning school. I am so impressed with the quality of instruction and I could not have asked for a better program. It has changed my ability to think in technology - I am becoming a geek and I love it!”

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.”