Testimonials

Kori Weatherholt 
Allied Health, Glen Lake High School graduate, '16

The career tech center provided me with opportunity. I was given the privilege to earn real-world work experience as well as a head start to my college career. Through TBA Early College, I gained a two-year college lead that kick-started my life while attending high school. The Allied Health program opened doors to my future by giving me insight as to what nurses actually do. Working with real people with real problems helped me make up my mind on which career pathway I wanted to pursue. Taking advantage of the opportunities at CTC was the smartest thing I could have ever done. I never thought seriously about what I want to do with my life, nor did I ever think about going to college. My grades were not perfect and I hadn't accomplished anything noteworthy in my high school career until I attended CTC. I think of these programs as if they are little gifts – and these gifts are the best I have ever gotten. I thank the Career-Tech Center for providing me with a great start to an exciting future and a beautiful sneak peek of reality after high school.

Reese Gallager
Manufacturing Technology Academy, Traverse City Central High School graduate, '05

An alumnus of MTA, Reese earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He worked at Cone Drive in Traverse City, where his responsibilities included designing, construction, and testing of double-enveloping worm gearboxes for use in applications such as the Seattle Space Needle, NASA Space Shuttle transportation vehicles, 15-ton rock crushers, and solar panel array systems. Reese has since established a successful engineering consulting firm, Gallagher Engineering, and in his spare time serves as a mentor for current MTA students.

Brian Piechocki,
Construction Trades, Traverse City High School graduate, '14

I enrolled in the Skilled Trades program at CTC and learned much more than I would have thought possible when I began my high school career.  I learned skills such as framing, welding, drywall, electrical, plumbing, and other competencies. Along with learning quality technical skills, I was introduced to ways of improving myself as an individual: leadership, responsibility, work ethic, safety, and gaining a sense of pride in the work I accomplish.  I plan to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering and begin my studies at Northwestern Michigan College, with a goal to eventually attend a four-year university.  Long story short, without CTC, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I have had great classmates and wonderful instructors and wouldn’t trade my time here for anything. I would highly recommend CTC to any student looking for guidance in their long trek called “Life.” 

Kristen Bautzman
Manufacturing Technology Academy, GTACS St. Francis High School graduate, '03

After completing the MTA program, Kristen Bautzman earned a mechanical engineering degree with a business minor. She is now Senior Product Design Engineer for Lockheed Martin Space Systems and is the subject matter expert for the Collaborative Human Immersive Laboratory located in Denver, CO where she conducts evaluations using 3D simulation software. Kristen says of her MTA experience, "MTA helped me in my career because I learned to apply classroom learning to real life."