Faculty and Administration

Abigail Pritchard was drawn to the craft of carpentry – the ability to apply knowledge and skill to fashion useful items and structures from raw materials. She graduated from Ranken Technical College with an Associate Degree in Carpentry and Building Construction Technology in May 2020.
Abby thrived in the program. Carpentry instructor John Davis noted her reliability and the fact she “always jumped in to help out.” In her second year, she especially enjoyed the ability to work on actual construction projects on properties owned by the Ranken Community Development Corporation (RCDC). “After learning the basics of carpentry and construction, my transition into an apprenticeship was as smooth as it could be,” Abigail tells us. Among her favorite memories is the day she helped install the roof trusses. “It was very satisfying seeing our house get one step closer to being closed off from the elements.”

Not long after graduation Abigail established herself on the west coast in Seattle, where she has family. Abby has worked for Mētis Construction on a variety of remodeling projects, uncovering timber and trusses and repurposing older buildings while restoring them to their former glory. Andy Madden, a project manager at Mētis, has been astounded by the new apprentice’s immediate impact. “She is a quick learner . . . with an amazing work ethic. Abby was well-prepared by Ranken; she is ready to work every day.”
Mētis is an organization committed to the tradition of the craftsperson contractor, and Abigail was also impressed by their dedication to equity and social justice. “The fact that it is worker-owned drew me to this company,” Abby observes. “I am loving my job and my mentors have been fantastic . . . I couldn’t be happier in my new home.”

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For 2019 graduate Amanda Blazer, Ranken Technical College provided something she never received in high school. It was the confidence to do well in her work and know she was on the right track.

“My favorite memory is when I got an ‘A’ and didn’t have to study,” she says. “When I was in high school, tests were not my strong suit. I had to study a lot.”

It could be that Ranken is not a traditional school. For every hour students spend in the classroom, they receive three hours of hands-on training. Not only did Amanda gain the skills she needed for employment, she graduated Ranken Magna Cum Laude with a certificate in Carpentry.

And she’s still pushing forward. Amanda is currently enrolled in Ranken’s Facilities Technology Program, all while working as a Water Restoration Technician at Woodard Cleaning and Restoration Company. Her boss speaks highly of her.

“Amanda is a great employee with a pleasant disposition and admirable work ethic,” said Sean Dunlap, Crew Chief at Woodard. “She knows how to prioritize her work and is extremely timely and efficient when it comes to completing her projects.”

Sean says Amanda’s work with providing cleaning treatments to health businesses and residential businesses have been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is a skill she has mastered.

“Ranken gave me the confidence to be able to move forward in my dream job and it continues to do so the more I learn,” Amanda says. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself and I thank the program, the teachers, and the staff for being so kind and understanding, especially when I first walked in the doors.”

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Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/