Metal-Fab Maintenance Development Program

Wichita State University-Tech and Metal-Fab combine efforts to develop a thorough maintenance training program.

In 2018, maintenance employee Nathaniel Hoebener attended Wichita State University -Tech (WSU-Tech) and needed an internship to complete his graduation requirements. Metal-Fab provided Nathaniel with an internship and recognized this as an opportunity to partner with the university to support the training and education of future maintenance employees.

So, in the fall of 2019, Metal-Fab partnered with WSU-Tech to create a Maintenance Development Program.

The program combines formal and on-the-job training to prepare an individual for a maintenance career. The program takes approximately four semesters to complete. Candidates are selected from current employees who show an aptitude and desire for a career in maintenance. In addition, a candidate must meet employment criteria set by Metal-Fab. Each week of the program the employee attends two full 8-hour days of class at WSU-Tech and works three full 8-hour days at Metal-Fab to apply the skills they learned.

Brian Sevart graduated from the WSU-Tech Maintenance Program on May 16, 2023. He is the fourth maintenance employee to complete the program. Jose Gonzales, Garrett Thompson, and Fetsum Gebremariam are previous program graduates. Austin Wartenbe is scheduled to begin the program in August 2023.

To learn more about continuing education or tuition assistance programs available at your location, reach out to Regional HR Manager or the HR Help Desk at 216.242.2886 (internal extension 19780) or Corporate.HR@olysteel.com.