Growing up in his father’s mechanic shop, Melvin was always surrounded by cars, tools, and the process of solving problems. From running around the garage as a child to helping out as an adult, he developed an appreciation for the hands-on work that goes into repairing vehicles.
“I always thought working on cars was so cool,” Melvin says. “All the tools, the parts, the ‘putting the puzzle together’ and solving problems was something I was always interested in.”
After high school, Melvin didn’t pursue college, but as he got older, he knew he wanted to return to school. He also recognized an opportunity to build a career in an industry where skilled technicians are in demand.
That opportunity led him to New England Tech’s Auto Body Training program, funded by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) through Real Jobs RI. Through the program, Melvin developed hands-on skills in automotive and collision repair while earning credits that could be applied toward an associate degree at New England Tech.
After completing the Auto Body Training program, Melvin decided to keep going. He continued into one of NEIT’s Automotive Technology degree programs, building on the skills he had developed through the training while working toward a goal he had wanted for years: earning his degree.
“I couldn’t stop with just a ‘certificate’ to my name. Now I wanted something bigger.”
During his time at NEIT, hands-on learning remained an important part of his education. Working with industry tools and practicing different repair techniques helped him build the confidence and technical skills needed to enter the field.
One of his most valuable experiences was Advanced Paint, where he learned how to properly mix and spray materials including primer, sealer, basecoat, and clear coat.
“I was able to experiment with all the tools and learn the different techniques used in the industry,” he says. “It helped build my confidence, my comfortability and skills I needed to go from repairing a minor dent to sectioning a quarter panel.”
His instructors also played an important role in his experience at NEIT. Melvin specifically credits Ralph Bennett with making a meaningful impact on his education.
“He really puts his all into his students and it shows. His knowledge in the automotive industry made the course much smoother and I couldn’t have asked for another instructor.”
Today, Melvin is putting the skills he developed through his training and education to work in the automotive industry. The technical skills are only part of what he relies on in his current role. He also carries forward the professional habits he developed along the way.
One of those habits is simple but essential: showing up on time.
“The customer’s vehicle have a set schedule and I am relied on to make sure all its production goals are met,” Melvin explains. “If I call out or miss a couple hours that vehicle could be behind its scheduled delivery to its owners.”
His journey represents more than simply preparing for a career. It gave him a way to return to school, build skills quickly through hands-on training, and continue his education while working toward long-term career growth. His story is a great example of how partnerships between workforce programs and higher education can create pathways that meet immediate industry needs while helping individuals build lasting careers.
One of the most meaningful moments came when all of that hard work finally led to graduation.
“That feeling of having your name called on stage and your family and friends behind you in the stands, cheering you on, also so proud of your accomplishments just as you are yourself, make you realize and appreciate all the days you were in class at 7:30 sharp, arriving back home late afternoon exhausted.”
