Workforce Stories and Spotlights

In-Demand Week Jobs Student Spotlight: Mikhail Gaines, Smart Manufacturing

Mikhail Gaines has always had a knack for working with his hands and understanding mechanics. He's been working on cars since he was 7 years old and was doing handyman jobs before he started high school.

Since he was mechanically inclined, Gaines wanted to discover careers that might be a good fit. During an online job search on Indeed.com, he saw the word “mechatronics” and looked up what it meant. An ad for Tri-C then popped up, he clicked on it, and the rest is history.

Gaines will have his Associate of Applied Science in Smart Manufacturing by the start of the Fall 2025 term and plans to continue with the Integrated Digital Manufacturing Engineering Technology bachelor's degree. He enjoys his classes and is excited to learn more.

“My favorite thing so far has been writing a program with Professor Jarrett for a robot to draw a picture,” Gaines said. “I don't have to be a good artist because I can write programs for the robots to do it for me.”

In-Demand Jobs Week Student Spotlight: Meet Integrated Digital Manufacturing student, Margarita Guyday!

Margarita Guyday, a student in the Tri-C Integrated Digital Manufacturing program, has enjoyed learning all about robots, electronics and manufacturing. However, one of the applications she recently learned about helped her outside of the classroom in an unexpected way.

“I realized that what I learned in class about AC/DC electrical power could help me fix my motorcycle,” Guyday said. “I like to do my own maintenance when I can, and it was so helpful that it's directly connected to the fixes I needed to make on my bike. It was really cool.”

Guyday is excited to continue with her studies and her motorcycle adventures — if you see her on the open road, be sure to wave “hello.”

In-Demand Jobs Week Student Spotlight: Jhaira Reid, Welding

Jhaira Reid was always a “hands-on” person, interested in learning by doing. When it was time to choose a career pathway, she had a lot of options, but welding stood out.

“When I talked to the welding students and instructor, they were so welcoming and warm, explaining the different things that happen in the class, what they built in the past, and what they plan on building,” she said.

During her time in the Tri-C Welding program, Reid has really connected with her instructors.

“I found the welding program not to be too difficult with help from the instructors,” she said. “They explain things in a way to help you understand but not in a condescending way. Like they break it down, but not to the point where it makes it feel like you don't know anything at all.”

When she graduates, Reid plans to get hired by a company, grow with them, and improve her welding knowledge and training.

“Everybody should go outside their comfort zone and take a chance on something you never thought you would do,” Reid said. “Yes, I liked welding when I was first introduced, but I never thought it would be my career. Getting my hands dirty while building creative things is amazing to me.”

Industrial Maintenance student Chris Nash is a great example of the power of persistence, self-determination and grit – which is why he’s been selected as our initial WIN student spotlight!

Nash had a tough upbringing and struggled with addiction for many years.

“Unfortunately, I’ve always had a propensity for trouble, and never really followed any set path in my life,” Nash said.

His challenges led to incarceration but were also the first steps on his journey to redemption.

After his release, Nash got a position as a custodian at Cleveland Gear Company. His work ethic and desire to learn soon impressed a maintenance foreman there, who took Nash under his wing. Nash was a quick study. He built a solid reputation at work, and the good news traveled fast!

“I got a call from the plant manager at Chesterfield Steel, they had heard positive things about me from the team at Cleveland Gear Company and wanted to offer me a position.”

Nash jumped at the opportunity, and his willingness to learn and grow continued in his new role – so much so, that Chesterfield Steel decided to send him to Tri-C to get more education. Nash started out in the Mechatronics program and did so well that the company decided to continue funding Nash’s growth. He’s currently studying in the Tri-C Industrial Maintenance program, and life keeps getting better.

“While I’ve had some personal tragedies during this time, I’ve been clean and sober for the past six years. My education and job have helped me keep my sanity. This year, I made a comfortable living and I’m able to provide well for my two kids. I get to work on interesting projects, and am respected by my colleagues,” Nash said.

In addition to taking care of all his responsibilities, Nash also allowed for a little fun, too.

“I’ve got a Dodge Charger, a motorcycle, and I’m currently fixing up a home in Lorain,” he said.

Ultimately, Nash hopes by sharing his comeback story, he can inspire other people, also.

“If someone can read this, and think, ‘maybe I can change, too!’, it would mean the world to me.”

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) have a long-standing shared commitment to workforce development and economic mobility in Northeast Ohio. Through innovative apprenticeship programs, professional development opportunities, and community-focused initiatives, RTA employees gain access to education and training that advance their careers. This collaboration not only supports RTA’s workforce needs but also strengthens the region’s economy by equipping individuals with essential skills. By working together, Tri-C and RTA are creating meaningful pathways to success, reinforcing their commitment to education, workforce innovation, and the long-term prosperity of the community.

For more information on employer and Tri-C partnership opportunities, visit our Employer Partnerships page.