DAVID RICE'S working career has always been in environments that required considerable physical activity as well as in-depth knowledge of a variety of heavy equipment. Even in his earlier days working on oil drilling platforms, he performed technical duties requiring knowledge and expertise. For several years after that he worked in the environmental drilling field, testing soil strata for pollution by monitoring wells to ensure a clean, unpolluted site. Then David worked 8 years for the Town of Clinton, where he lives, in the Department of Public Works performing a variety of tasks in the Road, Cemetery and Water Departments. Unfortunately, over time, the physical demands of his field of work took a toll on his knees and he found himself unemployed due to extended wear and tear. Without the skills to do less physical, yet meaningful work in a different field, it became difficult for David to support his family. Unable to continue working for the town's Department of Public Works due to the condition of his knees he made the tough decision to undergo surgery and totally replaced both his knees. Thankfully his operations went well and with the help of extensive physical therapy, his recovery was quick and he was able to focus on establishing a new career. At that point David decided that a career change was his best option and he began inquiring about training and courses available at TECHNOLOGY LEARNING CENTER. After career counseling he chose to concentrate on Power Plan Operations and decided to pursue a Second Class Fireman license with the goal of becoming a Steam Engineering Specialist. Currently David is employed at Framingham State College in the Power Plant Department as a Second Class Fireman. David said, "My training at Technology Learning Center has enabled me to independently work on my own and perform my daily duties successfully. Thankfully I've had the opportunity to make a career change by attending Technology Learning Center for a Second Class Fireman license...I am pleased to be pursuing a career that will allow me to advance in the Power Plant environment." He has become a valued member of the Power Plant Department at Framingham State College and the staff at Technology Learning Center believes David will continue to be successful in the future.