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.

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.