(PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 8, 2005) - A collaborative partnership among the Phoenix College Department of Industrial Technology, Tekla, Inc., Schuff International, Inc. and Tectonix Steel, Inc. is making waves throughout the steel industry. This unique partnership has been instrumental in bringing all entities together to enhance workforce development training for employees in the structural steel industry.

From August 8 - 18, Phoenix College is offering a two-week, 1-credit course entitled: The Latest and Greatest for CAD: Tekla Structures, Monday-Thursday from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The class, which is specifically geared toward structural steel detailers, structural engineers, engineering drafters and civil and architectural drafters, will offer critical instruction on industry-standard Tekla Structures software. Tekla has become the number one steel-detailing software in the world over the past few years because it provides clients with the power and flexibility they need for today's projects.

Its unrivalled 3D modeling, viewing and drawing production tools allow users to work faster, and more accurately than ever. The software can combine easy input with the most flexible output available. Drawings, reports and CNC information will conform to the standards required, accepted and expected by North American fabricators and engineers.

While the international software company has loaned Phoenix College the software (worth more than half a million dollars), industry employees from local structural steel firms including Schuff Steel and Tectonix Steel have enrolled in the course. Additionally, Jason Chamberlain, owner of Tectonix Steel, has been selected to teach the course.

"We are very excited that Tekla and Schuff Steel are forging a partnership with Phoenix College that will provide current industry software training to local business and industry," said Debra Dorr, Phoenix College Department of Industrial Technology faculty and program director. "This is exactly what the community college mission is all about - workforce development."

"We have students and structural steel detailers enrolled in this inaugural class from as far away as Tucson," added Dr. Jesse Mireles, Phoenix College Department of Industrial Technology Chairman whose first career was as a structural steel fabricator. "We opened this first class to Arizona companies only and had just two weeks to advertise it. The class filled in just the first four days of opening enrollment, and it looks like we are heading to a successful offering for our business and industry partners as well as our traditional students."

###