Hypertherm expands support of tomorrow’s welders with free plasma cutting curriculum and grant program

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, is reinforcing its commitment to welding schools and training programs by making all 10 hours of its AWS SENSE approved curriculum available for free download to teachers. At the same time, the company is launching a new educational grant program designed to place Powermax systems in North American schools.

Hypertherm’s Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice covers the plasma cutting process, common industrial uses for plasma systems, the differences between various cutting methods, safety procedures, as well as proper setup and operation. Electronic versions of each lesson, a facilitator’s guide, student workbook, and supporting reference material are all available at www.hypertherm.com/plasmaeducation.

“Though we believe schools would benefit from obtaining the full Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice kit including the hands-on materials we understand the constraints many schools are facing,” explained Betsy Van Duyne, who manages Hypertherm’s educational program. “Welders are already in short supply making it critical that new welders have the tools and training they need to enjoy a successful and rewarding career.”

In addition to free curriculum downloads, Hypertherm is launching its Spark Something Great educational grant program. The program will award a Powermax45 plasma cutting and gouging system along with the full Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice curriculum kit to ten schools in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Applications for 2015 are due on or before
July 1 with grant decisions communicated by July 31. More information, including instructions for submitting a 2015 grant application, is available at www.hypertherm.com/plasmaeducation.

Hypertherm designs and manufactures advanced cutting products for use in a variety of industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and automotive repair. Its product line includes plasma, laser and waterjet cutting systems, in addition to CNC motion and height controls, CAM nesting software, and consumables. Hypertherm systems are trusted for performance and reliability that result in increased productivity and profitability for hundreds of thousands of businesses. The New Hampshire based company’s reputation for cutting innovation dates back nearly 50 years to 1968, with Hypertherm’s invention of water injection plasma cutting. The 100 percent associate owned company, consistently named one of the best places to work in America, has more than 1,300 associates along with operations and partner representation worldwide.