Michael Lazarte said he was working at a dead end job that offered him no chance for career advancement. And he had been doing it for ten years!

“I was doing countertop installation,” explained Michael. “There was no room to change positions or become a manager. It was a career that wasn’t taking me anywhere. It wasn’t what I wanted.”

That’s when Michael started running internet searches looking for something better. He researched career training schools and explored a few but said they all tried to push him into programs that weren’t right for him. Then he found Porter and Chester Institute.

“My friend was in their Automotive Technology program and he loved it, so I thought I’d check it out,” said Michael. “They really listened to me and what I wanted for a career. They knew I had a construction background and when we talked about CADD, they said, ‘you’re perfect for this program.’”

Michael enrolled in the Computer Aided Drafting and Design program at the Canton campus of Porter and Chester Institute and said that everyone made him feel like he was part of the family. He was still working full time, so he attended classes during the evenings. It was a lot of work, but Michael said it was worth it!

“The program was awesome,” said Michael “and my instructor was spot-on with everything I needed to learn for a career in CADD. The courses gave me basic knowledge in the M.E.P’s, Civil, Steal detailing and much more. As the months passed and I completed each course in my 18 month program, I felt more confident in my abilities.”

When it was time to look for a job in his new career field, Michael turned again to Porter and Chester for help with his resume and portfolio. The staff even offered him advice on the interview process.

Today, Michael is employed by PMP Associates, a civil engineering firm in East Bridgewater, and he says he loves his job!

“Coming from a construction background, I thought I might not like working on a computer all day,” said Michael, “but it’s not that way at all. I do field work and computer work. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Michael said that he enjoys every second of his new career and that enrolling at Porter and Chester Institute was the best decision he could have made.

“Without the caring staff that want to see you succeed in Porter and Chester, I would still be at a job and never would have found my new career,” said Michael. “Thank you to the staff of Porter and Chester for believing in their students.”

Michael got the career training he needed to enter a career he loves. If you’d like the chance to do the same, check out all the career training programs at Porter and Chester Institute. Maybe one is right for you! We have nine campuses in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Contact us to schedule your school tour today.