Mertz Manufacturing was honored for its contributions to the development, promotion, and progress of Oklahoma’s Technology Center system during the 40th Annual Oklahoma Career and Technology Education summer conference held recently at the Tulsa Convention Center.
The Partners for Progress award recognizes businesses and industries which have demonstrated their commitment to CareerTech education in a variety of ways including cooperative programs, community involvement and student sponsorships, said Dr. Doug Major, superintendent/CEO of Pioneer Technology Center.
The program began last fall when Mertz Manufacturing presented Pioneer Tech staff members with a need for training welders. As a result of several meetings and planning sessions, it was decided that the welding program would be based on a goal of one hundred percent competency and preparation for AWS D 1.1 welding certification in short arc and spray arc welding.
While Mertz provides the onsite shop space and welding equipment, Pioneer Tech provides the trainers. Those participating in the program train for eight hours a day and are compensated by Mertz Manufacturing. Upon certification they are placed in a welding position at Mertz. John Soderstrom, Vice- President and CFO of Mertz Manufacturing, stated that the ultimate goal is to bring welders to a level of certification to do the work properly.
Steven Ballinger, President and COO of Mertz Manufacturing, claimed that the result of the Advanced Welding Institute program and partnership has allowed his company an opportunity to get more products through and completed in a timely manner.
In addition to this partnership, Mertz employees have been active members of the Manufacturing Education Training Systems (METS) partnership at Pioneer Technology Center. This includes serving on the business and education council to provide guidance and counsel on the school's curriculum and overall operation, providing non-paid job shadowing opportunities, sponsoring students for a paid summer internship and supporting mentor training at the factory.
Through a successful partnership, both Mertz Manufacturing and Pioneer Technology Center are providing a model for other companies in the community.
For more information on Pioneer Technology Center’s partnership with Mertz Manufacturing, call 580-718-4350.
PICTURE: Mertz Manufacturing was honored for its contributions to the development, promotion, and progress of Oklahoma’s Technology Center system during the 40th Annual Oklahoma Career and Technology Education summer conference held recently at the Tulsa Convention Center. Front row left t right: Mary Rigdon, Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) Board member; Molly Kyler, PTC; Dennis Ruttman, PTC; Lisa Thorstonburg, Mertz Manufacturing; Carolyn Mullin, Mertz Manufacturing; John Soderstrom, Mertz Manufacturing; Sylvia Urioste, PTC; Steve Ketchum, PTC; Dr. June Knight, President of the Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers. Back row: Larry Buck, PTC Board member; Dr. Doug Major, PTC, Laurence Beliel, PTC; Steve Marquardt, PTC; and Bob Blue, PTC.