Christopher Mills graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ranken’s Plumbing Technology program in May 2021. Ranken offers a nine-month certificate in Plumbing. The program is highly regarded in the Greater St. Louis area. Students get hands on training through Ranken’s Community Development Corporation (RCDC), working on real residential job sites, installing all the plumbing components in accordance with the Universal Plumbing Code.

Following graduation, Chris joined Grasse & Associates, a plumbing and fire protection contractor, as a Plumber Pre Apprentice. Lou Grasse, President, Grasse & Associates, says “[Chris] has only been with us for a few months, but he is great.”

“In lieu of the decline of skill trades workers, Ranken’s education has significantly helped me secure my career trajectory,” says Chris. “The field needs plumbers and Ranken helped me get my foot in the door. Definitely one of the best decisions I ever made.” Chris values becoming a member of Local 562 with his friends and fellow peers.

Stephen Felling, Plumbing instructor, tells us “Chris is intelligent and gets along with everyone. He is focused and completes tasks in a timely manner with a high degree of proficiency. Chris willingly accepts challenges, analyzing tasks and breaking them down. His calm, confident demeanor puts people around him at ease. I have no doubt Chris will have an outstanding career and positively influence everyone privileged to work with him.”

David Prost, Plumbing instructor, recalls “Every time I needed a special project done on campus, I asked Chris if he would lead the crew. He is one of those quiet, strong leaders that others naturally follow. One of his strengths is taking instruction extremely well. I liked to give him tasks above his skill set; it was fun and rewarding to watch him rise to the occasion. Chris came up in a tough environment as a young man. He put himself through trade school in a program that appealed to him; now he is reaping the rewards. I couldn’t be happier for him. I’m proud to say I had the honor and pleasure of being part of his Ranken experience.”

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
http://www.grasse.com