Antonio Bohanon

Antonio Bohanon appreciated Tri-C’s smaller class sizes.

Antonio Bohanon never imagined himself designing wings for aircraft, but that’s what he does as a CNC programmer at NobleTek in Wooster.

Nine years ago, Bohanon participated in Tri-C’s Youth Technology Academy, a one‑of‐a‑kind, STEM‐focused high school program that trains students for the technical workforce. There, he saw his passion for engineering and technology flourish. “It really set me up for where I’m at now,” he said.

After graduating from high school in 2009, Bohanon decided to study electrical engineering at the University of Toledo. Three years in, his father passed away. With only one year left to graduation, he made the difficult decision to leave school.

Back in Cleveland, Bohanon struggled for direction. His uncle, a CNC machinist, suggested that he look into Tri-C’s Precision Machining program. In September 2014, Bohanon enrolled in the 14-week Precision Machining Technology I program. His interest piqued, he enrolled in Precision Machining Technology II and III as well, earning certificates in each while working full time.

Bohanon appreciated the accessibility of instructors and program staff at Tri-C. He was especially thankful for the wealth of hands-on learning opportunities, which suit his learning style better than typical classroom lectures.

He was able to transfer many of his engineering courses from the University of Toledo and apply them toward an associate degree. These credits, combined with the certificates he earned from Tri‐C, left him needing only a few more courses to graduate. In December 2016, he received an associate degree in applied industrial technology.

Bohanon’s position at NobleTek, secured with help from the College, allows him to meet with clients across the country and earn certifications in new, complex software.

“I wouldn’t have received this opportunity or the attention of the company without the skills and help that Tri‐C gave me,” he said.

Your support of the Tri-C Foundation provides countless students like Antonio with the support needed to learn marketable skills.