At Atlas Machine & Supply, developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople starts long before their first day on the job. Through partnerships with local technical schools, we're introducing students to specialized machining techniques, providing hands-on experience, and helping build a foundation for future careers in the skilled trades.
Recently, members of our Field Services team spent two days at the Breckinridge Area Technology Center, giving students an inside look at the world of field machining.
The training centered around the CLIMAX BB5000 portable line boring machine, a piece of equipment that allows our field machinists to perform precision machining on large equipment without removing it from its operating location.
Leading the hands-on instruction were Field Training Coordinator James Wheatley, alongside journeyman field machinists Rob Carman and Matthew Henning. Together, they guided students through the machining process, sharing their knowledge and firsthand experience working in the field.
Rather than simply observing a demonstration, students had the opportunity to participate directly. Under the team's supervision, they assisted with welding the setup, aligning the machine, making cuts, and measuring the finished bore.
This hands-on approach introduced students to specialized machining methods and precision measurement techniques that aren't typically covered in traditional vocational machining programs.
The school visit is part of a broader effort to strengthen training and employee development across Atlas.
Leading that effort within Field Services is James Wheatley, our newly appointed Field Training Coordinator. In this role, James works with local schools to introduce students to field machining while also overseeing the continued development of co-op students and apprentices within the division.
James works alongside Robert Williams, who leads similar training and development initiatives within our Louisville Core Machine Shop. Together, these efforts help create a more structured pathway from early exposure to the trade through continued professional development.
The partnership doesn't end with one training session. Additional visits are planned to introduce students to flange facing and portable milling, followed by a shop visit to connect their classroom experience with real-world applications and potential career opportunities.
Atlas also sponsors OSHA 10-hour training for these students each year, allowing them to earn a valuable safety credential before entering the workforce. Because many industrial facilities require this training for site access, the certification gives students a meaningful head start, regardless of where their careers take them.
By investing in technical education, hands-on learning, and safety training, Atlas is helping students discover opportunities they may not have otherwise considered.
These partnerships reflect our commitment to strengthening the skilled trades, supporting our communities, and preparing the next generation of machinists for success.
Because at Atlas, we're Powered by People.