Refrigeration School at 60: 'Proud of Everything We Have Built'
ANNIVERSARY GATHERING: David Eaker, left, campus president of The Refrigeration School Inc. (RSI) in Phoenix, Arizona, speaks with Tom Horne, Arizona's state superintendent of schools, during a recent event to mark RSI's 60th anniversary. (Courtesy of The Refrigeration School Inc.)
PHOENIX — The Refrigeration School Inc. (RSI) in Phoenix, Arizona, is celebrating 60 years of educating the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Operated by StrataTech Education Group, RSI provides training in the welding, HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical trades.
RSI campus leaders, alumni, current students, and guests, including Tom Horne, superintendent of schools in Arizona; Lauren Kuby, an Arizona state senator; and Pamela Carter, an Arizona state representative, recently gathered for an all-day event to celebrate the anniversary.
“We are very proud of everything we have built since opening our doors 60 years ago,” said Mary Kelly, CEO and president of StrataTech, in a press release. “We are not only the largest accredited welding and HVAC school in the nation, but we are also a large employer of Arizona residents.”
Founded in 1965 to support a manufacturing and infrastructure boom, RSI remains a crucial player in workforce development, the press release said.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that Arizona will have an average of 663,500 trades job openings annually for the next 10 years, the press release said. With the increase in available jobs, the demand for skilled trade employees is higher than ever.
From traditional program offerings to integrating innovative technologies, like StrataTech’s proprietary virtual reality welding program, OcuWeld, RSI continues to be at the forefront of trade industry advancements while maintaining a focus on hands-on education, the press release said.
“Our goals are the same today as in 1965: Equip graduates with leading industry trade skills so they can enter successful, life-changing careers that help meet Arizonan’s important demands,” said David Eaker, RSI campus president. “We are proud of the impact RSI has made and look forward to continuing our mission in the years to come.”
In addition to the RSI campus in Phoenix, StrataTech has Tulsa Welding School campuses in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Irving, Texas; Houston, Texas; and Jacksonville, Florida.
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