Travis Cooney (Smethport, PA) got introduced to welding by a family friend and has enjoyed learning more about the field with all the hands-on opportunities at ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï.
“I enjoy working with my hands and going into my senior year I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I was able to get some side work with welding and I really enjoyed it.â€
The style of learning delivered at ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï fits the way Travis likes to learn. “The program is focused on welding. In the classroom you learn about what you are going to do in the lab. If you have questions, you can address it in the classroom the next day.â€
The professor’s knowledge has helped with learning important skills. “The professors are walking around the lab and checking in on everybody multiple times throughout class. We are getting hands-on experience, one on one instruction. You cannot really beat that.â€
Travis encourages others that like to work with their hands to look at ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï and welding. “It is a good career option if you like working with your hands and just being involved in something and seeing a finished product every day. That is really what I enjoy about it. ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï lets you jump right in and does not require you to take all those general education classes.â€
Outside the classroom, Travis was drawn to the archery team at ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï. “I head back to campus, and I go to the archery range and practice. It is just a good experience to be part of something on campus.â€
Travis is excited to take what he has learned to the workforce. He has enjoyed welding pipes and hopes to continue his growth in the area to make it a career.
±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï has given Travis the confidence and knowledge to enter the work field.