The VOLT Institute
Our Mission
The VOLT Institute’s mission is to train high-quality candidates to enter the workforce with skills that are in demand by industries in the Central Valley region. Our motto is “By Business, For Business, At the Speed of Business.”
We are based on the core values of respect, a strong work ethic, trust, honesty, and lifelong learning. Our vision is to impact the community by assisting businesses with the provision of a stable and educated workforce pipeline.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the VOLT Institute is to create a vibrant, healthy economy in the Central Valley Region by strengthening each company's most valuable asset: their people. The VOLT Institute will not only provide businesses with a more stable and educated workforce, but will also create a culture of empowerment and continuous improvement.
A vibrant economy will create safer neighborhoods, more opportunity for career growth, and a better quality of life for the residents of the Central Valley Region. The VOLT Institute is passionate about helping companies and people become highly successful so that the Central Valley Region remains an attractive place to live, work, and play. The future is now!
Driven by local Industry
We work closely and have an extensive network of local industry. Our programs are designed around the latest technology and professionals in these companies.
The VOLT Team
Rick Coffey
Vice President VOLT Institute & Technical Education- Emeritus
Rick grew up in the East Los Angeles area in a low-income community. He learned early in his adulthood the power of high-quality vocational education by completing three certificate programs that boosted his self-esteem and confidence and significantly accelerated his early career.
Rick has served in various executive-level, operational, human resources, workforce development, production training, and leadership development roles during a career that spans more than 40 years. He has worked for three major companies: Unisys, Boeing, and E. & J. Gallo Winery. Rick has over 25 years of broad and extensive experience implementing and leading large-scale, complex vocational education programs. Rick is one of the early advocates for VOLT Institute and chaired the VOLT Industry Advisory Board for several years.
Rick is a member of the Board of Directors of the PlusOne Foundation, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes resources to inspire hope and enrich the lives of those affected by neurological conditions and to educate the community about related issues.
Dr. Ray Cawthorne
Director of Operations & Instruction
Dr. Raymond Cawthorne is key in helping instill confidence in future generation mechanics through his combined experience in education and involvement within Fortune 500 manufacturing companies.
Dr. Ray, as the students call him, first became a helicopter mechanic (Crew Chief) in the Army. Later securing a job with Ford Aerospace he became Head Mechanic on the DIVAD Project, Sgt. York military tank. He later worked for Parker Hannifin as an Assembler, Tester, Sr. Manufacturing Engineer, MRB Engineer, and Reliability Engineer. Dr. Ray has also gained experience in the food industry and mining as a Production Manager and Maintenance Manager.
Dr. Ray believes in continuous education and has an Instructor Certification from MSSC (Manufacturing Skill Standard Council) as well as a Doctorate in Engineering & Management, MBA, BSME, and is a CMfgE (Certified Manufacturing Engineer).
Chad Prasad
Instructor
For over 46 years with Tri-Valley Growers, Signature Fruits, and Seneca Foods, Chad held various roles including: Machine Operator, Fork Lift Driver, Sub & Area Department Supervisor and Plant Maintenance Supervisor. Chad holds various industry certificates and distinctions in areas of focus such as: Microbiology, Acidified foods, Thermal processing, Records, Over Pressure, Glass/Rigid containers, Instruments & Sanitation.
Tommy Narayan
Instructor
As an instructor, Tommy has worked with the junior college machine tool technology night classes during the 1979-1981 curriculum. His work experience has been being employed by the top tier machine shops in the local areas. His specialty has been in design, engineering, machining, and fabrication of complex mechanical parts. He has worked in the field for the past 39 years supplying parts for structural fabrication, machine parts, general machining and welding, and high tech industries.
At present, he owns and operates a machining and fabricating company based in Lathrop.
Rob Winters
Instructor
Rob was recently hired as an instructor for Volt Institute and has a background in Electrical / Mechanical industry. He retired from the City of Turlock in August 2020 as the E/M Supervisor with 31 years. He was responsible for maintaining the city’s wastewater treatment plant equipment along with the water wells, storm /sewer stations. Also maintained the street lighting and traffic signals, compressed natural gas fueling stations. (Sounds like he was a busy guy! )
Rob has a passion to pass on his past experiences and knowledge to others that want a career in the E/M industry. He also served in the US NAVY, stationed in Pearl Harbor Hawaii as a Hull Maintenance Technician retrofitting Submarines. (Must have been nice duty in Hawaii).
In his spare time Rob enjoys spending time with his wife going on Road trips, hiking, and sightseeing .
Chris Lewis
Program Manager, Student Engagement
Chris joins the VOLT team with experience in Adult Education. He looks forward to enhancing your student experience and continuing to upskill our local talent.
The VOLT Experience
Learn about what our programs offer and how VOLT can help you take charge of your future.
Non-discrimination/Equal opportunity
The Stanislaus County Office of Education is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in county office programs and activities. County Office programs, activities, and practices shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
http://www.gamutonline.net/district/stanislauscoe/displayPolicy/660918/