At 23, Norville Rellon (in photo, right) has achieved what many take years to accomplish. From selling ice candy in high school to leading a team of machinists as a supervisor at Avega Bros. Integrated Shipping Corporation, his journey is a testament to how our diploma program transforms lives.
Raised in a financially challenged household—his father a security guard and his mother running a small carinderia—Norville learned the value of hard work early. As the eldest, he took on small jobs, selling bicycle parts and ice candy to help his family, especially during the pandemic.
After high school, he pursued a degree in Criminology but had to drop out due to financial struggles. Determined to find another path, he discovered CITE Technical Institute, where he earned a UAQTEA scholarship for Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology, a 3-year program. His training at CITE, coupled with industry exposure through the Dual Training System, shaped him into a skilled machinist with national certifications in Machining II, Technical Drafting II, and Mechatronics.
During his in-plant training at Roto-Rooter Cebu, he worked as a junior plumber, but when the company only absorbed two graduates, he wasn’t selected. Instead of giving up, he pressed on, continuously honing his skills in AutoCAD even outside of work.
After graduation, Norville worked at Kwikway Engineering Works for a year before applying for a machinist position in Japan. Though his application was unsuccessful, he found an opportunity at Avega Bros., a shipyard and logistics company in Tayud, Consolacion. His dedication and expertise in machining and CAD designing quickly set him apart, and by November 2024, he was promoted to Supervisor—the youngest in the company—leading a team of 15 machinists, many older than him.
As a leader, he values high-quality standards and fosters teamwork, crediting CITE and his mentors like Mr. Rhiane Matas for instilling in him both technical skills and strong leadership. His promotion not only changed his life but also allowed him to support his younger brother and cousins’ education—a way of paying forward the opportunities he received.
Despite past rejections, Norville remains hopeful for greater opportunities ahead. His message to aspiring students? “Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about perseverance and faith. Work hard, and when opportunities come, grab them. As CITE teaches us—Do ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
Norville Rellon’s journey proves that skills, resilience, and the right mindset can turn humble beginnings into extraordinary success.