Shasta College Teams with Sierra Pacific Industries

Shasta College announced that it has expanded its cooperative program with local businesses by working with Sierra Pacific Industries to train students in practical applications of welding technology. Under the program, students in Shasta College’s Welding Technology Program are constructing projects that will be put into use by SPI at its local wood products facilities. 

 “By working on industrial components that will be used by local industries, students at Shasta College are gaining an invaluable experience” said Mark Smith, welding instructor and program facilitator. “At the same time, the business sector is helping to prepare students for their future careers armed with skills that will help them succeed in a competitive work environment” noted Joe Kneer, manager of the fabrication shop for Sierra Pacific Industries where some of the students may be employed after they have completed their training.

The first joint project with SPI had students welding duct work for the company’s Anderson biomass-fueled electric power plant.  Based on the success of this effort, SPI hopes to establish a long-term working relationship with Shasta College for future, ongoing educational welding projects.  “Under normal manufacturing conditions these projects would take 2-3 days to complete.  By allowing students the opportunity to manufacture them over the length of a semester assures that they have the time to analyze and hone the various skills necessary to fabricate actual components we use in our facility such as blueprint reading, creating an assembly strategy, use of equipment, and welding.” stated SPI spokesman Mark Pawlicki.

The Shasta College Welding Technology Program is designed to prepare students to become certified welders under the standards set by the American Welding Society.  Certification can be obtained through a one-year certificate program or a two-year degree.  The program is designed to meet both daytime and evening student needs through multiple course offerings.  On average 200 students are enrolled in welding every semester, made possible with a recent half-million dollar expansion. The program enables students to secure high-paying positions as certified welders throughout the United States.  

Sierra Pacific Industries is a third-generation family-owned forest products company based in Anderson, California.  The firm owns and manages nearly 1.9 million acres of timberland in California and Washington, and is the second largest lumber producer in the United States. Sierra Pacific Industries is committed to managing its lands in a responsible and sustainable manner to protect the environment while providing quality wood products and renewable power for consumers.