From the Courtroom to the Classroom, Richie Ehret Builds a Brighter Future with Diesel Tech at OFTC 

Richie Ehret

Standing before a judge for what felt like the one-hundredth time, Richie Ehret was given an ultimatum: successfully complete a drug program or spend the next 10 years in prison.  

Ehret was no stranger to the judicial system. By the age of 15 he’d dropped out of high school, was involved with a gang, and started down a difficult road leading to three stints in prison, a drug addiction, and a life spiraling out of control. 

“The judge’s sentence took me over 200 miles away to a sober living home where I began the difficult journey to my recovery,” Ehret shared.  

“Through the Twelve-Step Program, I came to realize that despite the obstacles life had thrown my way, my life—good or bad—is a result of my choices, and if I wanted more out of life, I would have to make better choices,” he added.  

Diesel at OFTC 

After finding freedom from his addiction, Ehret found himself working with others who were facing the same choice to change or face severe, life altering consequences. And while his work was meaningful, he knew if he wanted to continue down a successful path, he needed more education. That’s when he found Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s (OFTC) Diesel Equipment Technology program. 

“OFTC was a good option for me because I wanted a better life for myself than what I was living,” Ehret shared. “I had to make better choices and one of those choices was to further my education to be able to pursue a career as a diesel technician.”  

“OFTC was close to home,” he added, “and offered the diesel courses at a time that fit my full-time work schedule and allowed me to attend class after work.”  

After taking a few diesel classes, Ehret says he already sees his hard work paying off.  

“So far, I have furthered my education and knowledge about diesel equipment and have gained many certifications and experience that will follow me into my career as a diesel mechanic,” Ehret said.  

In addition to the hands-on experience, Ehret says he enjoys the comradery amongst his classmates.  

“We have a chance to interact and learn alongside fellow peers who have the same interests, and it just emphasizes the family environment that’s felt across every area at OFTC,” he shared. 

Finally, A Family 

When Ehret started taking classes at OFTC he didn’t expect to find the environment so welcoming or instructors who genuinely cared about him, his choices, and his future.  

“When I got here, I was just hoping to find a chance to better my life and develop a promising career in the diesel field,” he said. “But OFTC has done that and so much more for me.”  

Ehret says the people he’s met have become more like family – something he’s searched for his entire life – and has already accomplished more things in his time at OFTC than he ever thought possible for himself, including being nominated for OFTC’s 2025 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership program. 

“I want others to know that OFTC is like no other,” he said. “There is a great family atmosphere and there are so many people willing to help you in any way they can, not to mention the opportunities that OFTC makes available to you.”  

Bright Future Ahead 

For the first time in his life, Ehret is truly excited about the possibilities his future will bring. 

“My time at OFTC has changed my life,” he said. “It’s given me the knowledge and tools to build a better life for myself.”  

“It’s shown me that I can do anything I put my mind to,” he added. “For the first time in a long time, I have a clear direction and a positive outlook on my future.”  

Ehret never thought he’d look back at his last courtroom appearance as one of the best days of his life. But now, he can, because that day he made the decision to change his life.  

“I just want to encourage others to not give up,” he said. “No matter how hard life is, it’s never too late to do something to better your life and your future. Never look back, always look forward.”  

For more info about OFTC, the Diesel Equipment Technology program, or the college’s other 100+ programs of study, visit OFTC.edu.  

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OFTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia