CTEC
Manufacturing, Welding, and Engineering
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.
What is Manufacturing, Welding & Engineering?
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.
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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
- Opportunities to earn college credits in CAD and machining, BOLI pre-apprenticeship, and safety certifications (OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, Fall Safety)
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.
Manufacturing, Welding, and Engineering Staff
Instructors
Jerry Torresdal
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.
Rob Tinnell
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.
Jonathan Kamrath
Jon Kamrath has taught at CTEC since 2024. He is a graduate of Silverton High School and brings with him eleven years of experience in the manufacturing industry. Jon has a diverse background, having worked in the stainless-steel sector where he specialized in building food-grade equipment, as well as in various shops where he created a range of products from hand-drawn prints to stainless medical apparatus. Additionally, he has extensive experience in constructing trucks and agricultural equipment. Jon appreciates the collaborative team environment at CTEC. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys outdoor activities, including playing disc golf, riding motorcycles, and taking road trips.
Christian Daniels, English and Math
Chris Daniels grew up in the Salem/Turner area and is a proud graduate of Cascade High School, where he balanced his time between sports, shop classes, and music. He went on to earn a degree in Advanced Math Education from Western Oregon University. Chris began his teaching career at Willamina High School, then spent eight years at Cascade Locks School, where he also earned his administrative license in 2001. He served as Principal of Cascade Locks for five years before taking on an administrative role in Hood River for three years. Chris then led Amity High School as principal for 14 years, retiring in 2023. Over the past two years, he has worked as a substitute teacher in the Salem-Keizer School District, where he discovered the incredible opportunities at CTEC. He is now excited to join the CTEC team and continue supporting students in their educational journey.