Learn More about this program:  Marketing & Parts Operations

• Name: Gus N.
• Program:Marketing, Merchandising & Parts Operations (MMPO)
• Graduate: December 2006
• Employed: Program Assistant, Tech Center
  

Gus was a foreman of a manufacturing company in Deland, supervising 25 – 30 mechanics, welders, sheet metal workers, assemblers & laborers. The company built Custom Power Generation Equipment, such as fuel tanks, trailers & enclosures.

Gus sustained a back injury in 2000, and after struggling with it for 5 years, he knew he couldn't really fulfill his duties and responsibilities as shop foreman any longer. He entered the Vocational Rehab (VR) Program. His academic scores were high enough for him to choose anything training program being offered.

He chose Mid Florida Tech because it wasn't too far from where he lived. He chose the MMPO program because after being a mechanic and supervisor for so many years, he decided to learn how to run a business from the other side of the counter, the back office.

He completed the 1350-hour program in a little under a year. Normally, it would take a full time student a little longer, about a year and a half, but he took a lot of work home and did it there. The instructors were also extremely helpful, and realized that he was under a deadline from VR.

His experience was very positive. The Instructors, Mr. Stephens & Mr. Ryan, are knowledgeable in the field they teach. They are helpful in dealing with each student's situation. Everyone is different, and they try to accommodate your particular problems. They will do anything to further the student's education. The students always come first with the MMPO instructors.

Gus was a member of The National Technical Honor Society. He felt it was a privilege to be recognized for his academic achievements, and that the NTHS helps you with your career after graduation. He was also an Officer in the DEX Organization and volunteered for the Autistic Children's Christmas Party and the Food Harvest can food drive. Both were very fulfilling and gave the all of the students a taste of how rewarding it can be helping others who are less fortunate.

Gus states, "The MMPO program has an actual, functioning parts store in the class as a learning tool. As MMPO Program Assistant, it is my Job to run the Parts Store, so the instructors can teach. The main point of the MMPO program is to teach the students how to run a business. It doesn't matter that ours is a parts store. Any business has vendors to deal with, accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory, warehousing, and customer service issues. The Marketing, Merchandising & Parts Operations Program instructs the student in all of these things. As well as, and most importantly, entry level management skills, and how to work with others and be a part of a team".

Gus plans to continue his education, in the hopes of one day becoming an instructor at Mid Fl Tech. "I really like the campus and staff, especially how everyone works together to better the student's chances of learning and finding a great career."

What advice would you give to someone who might be considering attending MFT? Your program?
To adults: it's never too late to try and better your situation. Continuing education is the best way to further your current career or start to learn for a new one.

To high school students: a high school diploma is a must in this world, but to get ahead, you have tobe further along than the next kid who is applying for the same job. MFT is a great place to take care of both groups needs.