Jeff Carvalho

Computer Service Technician/Network Installer program

According to Jeff, MTTI gave him the hands-on experience that helped him become a computer expert and start his own business, Computer Commandoes LLC of Rumford, R.I.

He left his job as a marine electrician when he was in his thirities and decided to go back to school. “When I came here I didn’t know anything about computers. (MTTI was) offering a new computer class. I took the test, got into program and graduated second or third in my class.”

Carvalho, now 47, said his experience working with electrical systems on boats gave him a leg up in the class. “I had a knack for it,” he said, “I just understood it. The hands-on training at MTTI helped, too. " Jeff said, "Hands-on (training) is important.. Anybody can go through a book, but the hands-on stuff is really what works.”

He had a job at EBS Econotel Business Systems lined up before he graduated. “We went on a tour. I met the owners and got an interview. A few weeks later I got a job.”

After that, he worked for Best Buy’s Geek Squad and then started his own business. “I do work for businesses and in-home services and repairs--anything to do with technology.”