Charting a different course: Tre’Von Ruffin turns to Industrial Maintenance Technician Program
When Tre'Von Ruffin finished high school two years ago, he didn't want to continue in the academic world.
Even though the Walnut Grove native graduated as valedictorian, he didn't enjoy school. "I don't have a passion for it; I’d just rather work," he said. "My mom said just do a trade, and you can go straight to work, and I said I'll do just that."
Fast forward two years, and today, Ruffin is completing his Meridian Community College's Industrial Maintenance Technician coursework with all A's.
With his graduation date set for May 10, Ruffin has a job waiting for him at Nissan Canton.
This two-year program provides students like Ruffin with the technical knowledge and skills to succeed in manufacturing maintenance. Classes, including safety, fluid power, electricity, motor control systems, mechatronics, mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and more, make up the coursework.
Ruffin did his homework when looking for a school by touring other places and colleges and even looked at universities. "I'm good with my hands. I have always had a passion for electrical and mechanical engineering, so I felt like this place, with the teachers, the staff, and the big shop here, was best. Not a lot of community colleges can compete with it – facility-wise. And this is the place. I really didn't want to go to a four-year (college), so I knew this was the place for me," he said.
It was after that tour that he was sold on MCC.
The Industrial Maintenance Technician Program, led by coordinator and instructor Stanley Bishop, has been exciting and challenging for Ruffin, who said the first few months were tough with daily written tests and class hours lasting from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Though Ruffin noted it's an advantage. "But the thing is, it's a win-win situation. When you get to a real job, that's real work hours, and since you're already waking up to go to school for that – this is nothing now; it's the same hours. You're already accustomed to that."
Learning teamwork and safety measures are just two things that Ruffin said will help in the future. Ruffin explained, "There have been countless situations where people don't follow the safety procedures, which could result in tragic loss. And then, you know, you've got to work with other people from different races, people have different attitudes, you've got to learn how to work with them and cooperate. Because no matter where you work, there will always be somebody you don't like. You've got to learn how to cooperate with them."
That's held for Ruffin and his classmates, who have developed a bond in their two years of study. "We really didn't know each other – strangers really," he added, "and we found a passion for this major. I feel like we're going to succeed after we graduate."
For his second year at MCC, Ruffin served as a resident assistant at Elliott Hall, saving an hour and a half of commute time one way from his home in Walnut Grove. "I might be a bit biased, but an RA is probably the best scholarship on campus, he said. "It's not a bad gig, especially since it's super convenient," he said, noting it just takes minutes to get to class at the MCC-Riley Workforce Development Center, where the Industrial Maintenance Program is housed.
Ruffin deeply appreciates Bishop, who continues to network with industry officials to help find positions for graduates.
"It's quite the advantage to have teachers that have actually worked in the field. Not only do they have more experience than the teachers who just graduated with a bachelor's – who didn't work in the field – but they have that community of other people they have worked with in the past, and you know you're going to get a job. If you come to class on time and do what you're supposed to, they will look out for you once it's time to graduate. All they've got to do is make a simple call."
Bishop noted Ruffin is an ideal student. "He pays very good attention and takes notes. He's a great student," Bishop said.
So, how would Ruffin encourage others to pursue the Industrial Maintenance Program at MCC? "Anyone interested in electrical or mechanical should come and try this class. Come tour it, see how it is," he said.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/imt.