The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is working with Airgas, an NATM associate member, to offer NATM members a discount for the 3½ day on-site welder training program: “Unlocking the Hidden Costs of Welding.”
NATM regularly fields calls from end-users regarding issues with their trailers, built by member and non-member companies. Recently, the Association noticed a trend in complaints pertaining to welds. With the current labor shortage, especially for skilled trades, having a resource for training welders is invaluable. Although welding specifications are not a part of the NATM Compliance Verification Program, it is important to ensure your products are properly welded.
“The instructors genuinely connect with the processes and applications being applied in your company, and tailor the course to assist you in generating results that you can take home and apply,” said Jim Henry, operations manager of Topeka Metal Specialties.
Each Airgas class is 50 percent classroom and 50 percent hands-on discovery. The course teaches welding as a science, requiring precise measurement and control of inputs to achieve consistent quality output. Focused on the quality and economic aspects of welding, attendees also discover a new way to improve the bottom line. Coursework supports efforts to implement “lean” principles and continuous process improvements.
Attendees will come away with a proven methodology for making improvements to a company’s processes and making them stick. The course is designed for decision makers and engineers, including CFOs, quality directors, procurement professionals, line managers and business owners.
Airgas’ “Unlocking the Hidden Costs of Welding” course is discounted for NATM members to $800 per attendee. Classes are offered in Stow OH, Bessemer AL, and Tulsa OK. Each location provides lunch each day, with a hosted dinner on one of the evenings. Group hotel rates are also available.
Past attendees praised Airgas’ seminar.
“It was, to say the least, some of the best money we have ever spent on educational opportunities and training,” said Sterlin N. Jensen, president and COO of Richards Sheet Metal Works. “After the conclusion of the first day, we were aware that we were in for the education of our lives.”
Added Wayn Tolley, Terex’s welding manufacturing engineer: “The cost of over welding by only 1/16 in weld size was unbelievable. Fortunately, with the charts provided … I can effectively demonstrate to our welders and managers the importance of not accepting our cliché of ‘more is better’.
“This concept is nothing new, but now with the evidence that argument has substance.”
For more information or to sign up, please contact [email protected].
2018 class dates
- Stow OH – Aug. 14-17, Sept. 11-14, Oct. 9-12, Dec. 4-7
- Bessemer AL – Aug. 7-9, Oct. 9-11, Dec. 4-6
- Tulsa OK – Aug. 7-10, Sept. 11-14, Oct. 9-12, Dec. 11-14