SUU Graduates Begin Careers at Metalcraft Technologies

Published: July 01, 2020 | Author: Kierstin Pitcher-Holloway | Read Time: 2 minutes

Transitioning from college to the workforce can be a challenge for students, but recent graduates of Southern Utah University’s Engineering Department are finding career success with the Cedar City company Metalcraft Technologies. Graduates Natalie Ramirez, Chris Bettencourt, John Webster, and Logan Choate were able to accept positions and begin working at the aerospace company upon graduating this spring.

These students are great examples of how the Engineering and Technology Department at SUU prepares students to soar. The department works hard to create an environment where students are challenged academically and given opportunities to develop relevant and practical problem-solving abilities, so they have the greatest chance to achieve their career goals.

“Metalcraft loves to hire Engineering and CAD/CAM students from SUU because of their diverse set of skills,” said Devin Passey, SUU professor and manufacturing engineer at Metalcraft Technology. "It's rewarding for me, as a faculty member, to teach these students at the university and then see them enter the industry and continue learning and improving their skills."

Metalcraft specializes in being a one-stop-shop aerospace manufacturing company, and the work is not only extensive but often challenging. While most companies focus on one or two aspects of the manufacturing process, Metalcraft takes the products all the way from raw material to a fully functioning part ready to be installed on an aircraft.

“In Metalcraft’s Engineering department, we are in charge of determining the path that an airplane part will take in the manufacturing process,” said Bettencourt. “I love working to improve different processes and solve problems. It can be meticulous at times, but the challenge makes it fun.”

Both Ramirez and Bettencourt feel the hardest part of their job is creating complex models with contoured surfaces, but the challenge of solving a problem and creating something new is sometimes the best part.

“One word to describe my job responsibilities would be extensive. I read customer specification documents, drawings, and parts lists in order to create our work orders and build packets. I also design tools for building parts.” said Ramirez. “My favorite part of my job is that I work on and create new things all the time.”

Because of experience gained, and support received at SUU these graduates have been able to overcome challenges, and even welcome them.

“I'm grateful to work somewhere I'm constantly challenged and never bored,” said Choate. “I would like to thank all of my professors for sharing their knowledge and encouraging me to complete my degree. Special thanks to Professors Rodriguez, Borisova, Cozzens, Cantrell and Passey.”

Bettencourt left this tip for incoming and current engineering and technology students, “My advice, work hard. You will never regret the effort.”

There are many rewarding and high-paying job opportunities in the fields of Engineering and Technology. For those interested in pursuing a career in these fields, SUU offers a learning-centered environment with ABET accredited programs in Engineering and Engineering Technology and offers the students an opportunity to develop skills in the discipline area of Construction Management.

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Tags: Engineering

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