Students enrolled in Manufacturing, Welding and Engineering gain a competitive advantage as they learn industry-standard skills and knowledge through hands-on projects and experiences. Students design, build and construct projects to be sold to community customers, using state-of-the-art equipment.
Why
We want our students to be ready for whatever comes after high school. CTEC’s Manufacturing, Welding and Engineering students have landed jobs and internships at various companies. Our students are ready to start their careers with the following industry-relevant skills and knowledge:
- An understanding of the manufacturing process
- Safe operation of metal fabrication equipment
- Proficiency in welding (MIG, Stick, TIG)
- Entry-level skills in machining with lathes and mills
- Precision measurement skills needed to be successful in any manufacturing-related project
- Applied mathematics and CAD skills to enhance metal fabrication and production
- Jobsite skills by doing piece work for local manufacturers and creating independent projects for local clients
- Advanced communication skills
How
Students in the Manufacturing, Welding and Engineering program learn industry-relevant knowledge and skills, while taking applied mathematics and English. Students gain entry level Computer Aided Design (CAD) expertise. Students receive coaching and resources to explore career options they may want to pursue directly out of the program or with continued education. Coupled with the experiences they have throughout this program, they graduate with a plan and the ability to adjust the plan throughout their career.
With a foundation of professional skills, technical skills, contextualized math and English training and CAD, our students are ready to pursue their career goals.
CTEC Manufacturing, Welding and Engineering Staff
Sasha Shay, Manufacturing, Welding and Engineering Instructor
Sasha Shay has a BA in Music and MA in Teaching. She taught 5th grade in Salem Keizer for five years before transitioning to CTEC in 2022. Sasha worked for eight years in an Oregon manufacturing plant, machining and assembling tools for precision crimping in the aerospace and medical industries. When asked what Sasha enjoys most about CTEC, she responded, “Everything. I love collaborating with my colleagues, I enjoy interacting with the students, and I cannot say enough about the meaningful, hands-on learning that creates relevant and engaging learning experiences.” When she is not teaching, she enjoys adventuring and creating with her family. Whether they are exploring the outdoors, creating art or music, working on building projects at home, or playing games, her happy place is being with them.
Russell Thomas, Manufacturing, Welding and Engineering Instructor
Russell Thomas has an Associates of General Studies and has worked in education since 2015, starting at Clackamas Community College and moving to CTEC in 2019. Russ was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union for 6 years; he has 20 years of welding experience, 10 years of fabricating experience, and he has worked for various fabrication companies within the Willamette Valley. Russ loves that at CTEC students get the hands-on experience they need to gain a competitive advantage. Teaching the future work force is what he looks forward to every day at CTEC. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the lake and camping with family.
Rob Tinnell, Residential Construction and Manufacturing, Welding and Engineering Instructor
Rob Tinnell earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University and his MAT from Willamette University. He worked from 1990-1993 as a Fire Protection Systems Engineer for Viking Automatic Sprinkler Company in Seattle, WA and Portland, OR. Rob taught science at Lakeridge High School for one year, and from 1995-2015 he taught Physics, Physical Science, Engineering and Computer Science at North Salem High School. He has taught CAD in CTEC’s Manufacturing and Construction programs since 2015. When asked his favorite thing about CTEC, he said “I have a fantastic team of creative, flexible, adaptable people who work together like a family to provide students unique opportunities to develop skill sets that are valued and needed in the 21st Century. Our students continue to amaze me with their dedication, hard work, and accomplishments as they move into the adult world. The bonds that we are able to create with our kids are strong and lasting.” When Rob is not at CTEC, he likes riding his horse, camping, fishing, skiing, working on home remodel projects, and spending time with family.
Jerry Torresdal, Manufacturing, Welding and Engineering Instructor
Jerry graduated from the welding program at Chemeketa Community College and has taught at CTEC since 2015. Prior to CTEC, he worked for 35 years in welding, fabrication, and machining. Jerry loves helping the next generation get involved in the industry. When Jerry is not working, he enjoys camping, quad riding, working on his property on his tractor, and working in his shop on various projects.