Structural Steel Fabricator Course

Are you unsure about attending a 2 or 4-year college after completion of high school? Are you a current student or graduate of a welding program looking for your next step? Are you mid-career and considering a change? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Structural Steel Fabricator course may be the perfect opportunity for you.

Cooper Steel has partnered with Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Shelbyville to offer this supplemental course from January through April 2021. It has been designed to help Cooper’s own employees further develop their skills, while providing an opportunity to those in the community who wish to do the same. Using a SEAA approved, NCCER standardized curriculum, the course dives deep into specialized welding, while teaching the students what is required of Cooper Steel employees. Those enrolled will learn about welding signs, blueprint reading, and steel fabrication from the best of the best at Cooper Steel.

Three classes have completed the course since it began in 2019. Since their completion, many Cooper employees have advanced their careers within the company, and a few other course graduates have become Cooper employees.

Sam Sinquefield was a welding student at TCAT when he decided to enroll in the course to learn more about advanced welding and fabrication. “After graduating high school, I knew I was not interested in attending a university, so I looked into trade school”, Sam stated. “By completing the course, a great opportunity became available and I was able to be hired on full time by Cooper Steel. This position has allowed me to have a job that is hands-on and is always far from a boring day at the office.” A now two-year Cooper employee, Sam sees how even the small details that he learned in the course have played a large part in his work. The techniques taught in the course help set the students on the path to success in their welding and
fabricating careers.

Kevin Sudberry was hired by Cooper around the time of the first course enrollment. He came with many years’ experience as a material handler/forklift operator, but had little experience in welding. After witnessing the impact this course was having on his co-workers, he chose to attend it himself. “I decided to take the course not knowing at the time that it was going to open doors to a position that offers many challenges and many new opportunities. It has been humbling and eye-opening to be part of building strong structures nationwide”, Sudberry concluded.    

If you would like more information or to enroll in the course, please visit TCATshelbyville.edu or contact Paula Burks at Cooper Steel (931-536-7317).
ADDITIONAL CLASS INFORMATION

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