Whether you find Ricki Bragg gardening, diamond dot painting, or participating in theater, you better believe she’s happiest when she’s working with her hands. That’s why it just made sense for her to obtain training as a Certified Manufacturing Operator at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

The hands-on aspect is only part of the appeal of being a Certified Manufacturing Operator. What else drove you to this profession?

I wanted a better life for my son.

After high school, I completed one year of college and then started working to take care of my mom and myself. Then I got married and had my son, and I worked for myself most of that time performing basic contracting work. But I wanted something that was more stable with benefits and that would help me provide my family with a good living without the heavy, labor-intensive work involved in construction.

How did you know to look to OCtech to take your next step?

One of my best friends, who works at OCtech, actually suggested it, and she kept reminding me and encouraging me. So I went and applied, and I had a phenomenal experience. The instructors were not only knowledgeable and helpful, but they became friends. Gretta Waymer is especially awesome! Not only is she a good instructor, but she also genuinely cares about her students and gives plenty of encouragement to get you where you want to be. Because of the support I received at OCtech, I felt inspired and supported to make a big change in my life.

Time was also a priority for you. You were looking for quick training and prompt entry into the workforce.

Yes, and OCtech helped me accomplish both of those goals in so many ways.

For one, I wish everyone knew that a technical college doesn’t offer only a two-year degree option. Shorter-term programs can help you get where you need to be without the two-year timeframe or cost. That also means that if a particular program doesn’t meet your needs or fit what you want to do, there are other options.

The Certified Manufacturing Operator program was short not only in the length of the overall program but also in day-to-day training. And once I got into the program, the biggest surprise was getting to move at my own pace. I could fly through things I was confident about and take my time with unfamiliar material. You don’t often see that in a college setting.

And I’m so glad that I was able to quickly get work in my field of study. In fact, I was hired before I even completed my program! Now I have a job with a really good company, and I’m excited to see where that will take me.