Workforce Stories and Spotlights

Cortavia is a recent graduate of Tri-C’s Building Construction Short-Term Certificate Pre-Apprenticeship Training (PAT) program and plans to continue her education with Tri-C by pursuing the Construction Project Management certificate. Already holding an Associate of Arts, she enrolled in the PAT program to gain practical construction skills that would help her break into the field.

Cortavia credits her success to the phenomenal PAT instructor who both challenged and supported her throughout the program. As a mom, she is driven to pursue her dreams and to show her children the importance of creating new opportunities for themselves.

Tri-C’s Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Training (PAT) program continues to grow. With funding support from Cleveland’s Built Environment Initiative, the PAT program offers students a four-week, hands-on introduction to the skilled trades. Students begin with hands-on training, learning to read a tape measure, use an architect scale, and draw blueprints before moving on to building real structures. Workforce readiness is also embedded in the curriculum through resume development, interview prep and career exploration.

The program is enriched by visits from local construction union affiliates, such as the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 16, where instructor Walter Gachuk worked part of his career in the construction skilled trades. As a retired union worker, Gachuk has brought a fresh perspective to the PAT program, expanding career-connected learning opportunities, such as a collective bargaining workshop led by the Northeast Ohio Worker Center. This partnership has strengthened the program’s focus on collective bargaining and communication, teaching students how to negotiate confidently and professionally alongside both labor and management representatives.

Gachuk takes pride in watching students gain confidence as they master trade skills and teamwork.

“You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with,” he says, and the PAT program ensures those people are future builders and leaders.

Tri-C Marketing student Ravi Singh recently shared an inspiring letter with College President Dr. Michael A. Baston, describing how Tri-C has changed his life.

Earlier this fall, Ravi felt hopeless and didn’t see a future for himself, but a visit to the Career Center changed everything. Encouraged by his career coach, he attended the Business and IT Career Fair at Tri-C’s Western Campus.

One of several targeted career fairs coordinated by Tri-C’s Career Services, this event connects students with employers offering internships and job opportunities. At the fair, Ravi’s career coach and other Career Center staff offered him encouragement and guidance as he spoke with employers.

Ravi left the fair with valuable connections that led to interviews and, ultimately, a marketing internship. In his letter to Dr. Baston, he shared that he now feels confident and capable of achieving meaningful goals.

Ravi’s journey is just one example of how Tri-C’s Career Services helps students connect their education to real-world success. Through events like the one Ravi attended, the Career Center continues to empower students to discover their potential and take the next step toward their future.

Citizens and Tri-C share a commitment to helping students overcome the real challenges of balancing education with financial responsibilities. Thanks to a recent investment from Citizens, Tri-C will address these competing interests by creating and expanding learn-and-earn programs across high-demand industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, IT, and transportation, and provide scholarships to students looking to advance their education in these fields. Learn-and-earn programs give students the opportunity to earn an income while building the skills and credentials they need for long-term career success.

The program combines coursework with paid work experiences and stipends to reduce financial barriers. It also provides career coaching and employer engagement. Citizens will enhance this effort through career sessions, mentorship and advisory roles, to ensure programs align with employer needs. This investment of both resources and expertise reflects Citizens’ deep commitment to building a strong, skilled talent pipeline in Northeast Ohio and ensuring that students not only access education but thrive in their chosen careers.

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.”

Partner Spotlight: Enbridge Gas Ohio

Tri-C and Enbridge Gas Ohio share a strong commitment to expanding access to in-demand careers and advancing workforce development across Northeast Ohio. Through a recent $15,000 scholarship contribution, Enbridge is helping students in Tri-C’s skilled trades programs overcome financial barriers and stay on track to complete their training.

Enbridge Gas Ohio also actively engages in community partnerships, including the Northern Ohio Damage Prevention Council (NODPC) Safe Dig event, cohosted with Tri-C at the KeyBank Advanced Technology Training Center (ATTC). As part of this event, Enbridge Gas Ohio employees and other NODPC members led a beautification project by constructing and installing raised garden beds at the ATTC. Events like these not only promote safe digging practices and industry education but also allow employers to connect directly with students and staff in the Utility Technician program.

In-Demand Week Jobs 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 take part 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 developed a strong connection with her instructors.
“I found the program to be not too difficult with help from the instructors,” she said. “They explain things but not in a condescending way. They break it down, but not to the point where it feels like you don’t know anything at all.”

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

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

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.”

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.