Alumni Spotlight: Ricky Davis
Industrial Maintenance Technology
Class of 2023
Ricky was in his mid-20s and felt stuck. After earning a degree in communications while playing college football at Youngstown State University, he transitioned into coaching high school football. While he enjoyed coaching a sport he loved, he knew he needed a career boost both professionally and financially.
That feeling, paired with a determination to succeed, motivated him to enroll in Butler Tech Adult Education’s Industrial Maintenance Technology program.
For Ricky, the appeal of industrial maintenance was clear.
“Industrial Maintenance is one of the few careers where job demand is growing while the industry continues to expand,” he said. “I love learning new things and being on the cutting edge of new technology both installing and troubleshooting industrial systems.”
After completing the nine-month program in 2023, Ricky was given an opportunity at Molson Coors in Trenton, Ohio—a chance he says changed the trajectory of his life.
“Molson Coors took a chance on me,” Ricky said.
Today, Ricky works daily with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), high-voltage, and the equipment that keeps the facility running. In just three years, he has worked his way into an administrative role with the company while building the life he envisioned for himself just a few years earlier. He has gotten married, welcomed two sons, and is now building a house for his family.
“Had I not gone to Butler Tech, I would’ve eventually found a job that paid the bills,” Ricky explained. “But with the qualifications I received in my nine-month course, I found a career that allowed me to succeed. Work-life balance, location, job security. The possibilities are endless.”
Ricky is empowered knowing his skills are valuable and transferable. “Companies are searching everywhere for people with the qualifications Butler Tech provides,” he said.
“Butler Tech is the foundation for those striving for a better tomorrow,” Ricky said.
For other 20-somethings feeling stuck, his advice is simple: “Stay hungry and optimistic about the future. Stacking great decisions leads to the life you dream about.”