StrataTech Education Group: Empowering Skilled Trades Through Education and Innovation
StrataTech Education Group is a national leader dedicated to the growth and development of specialized career education schools, with a particular focus on skilled-trade programs. Recognizing the critical need to address the nation's growing infrastructure demands, StrataTech focuses on equipping individuals with the foundational skills necessary for successful and life-changing careers. The group aims to be a force for good, creating a challenging, fun, and genuine work environment for its employees.
A History of Excellence and Expansion
StrataTech Education Group understands the realities of the career school industry. Its first acquisition was Tulsa Welding School (TWS) in 2008. Founded in 1949 by two welders, Tulsa Welding School has built a reputation for excellence that has endured over seven decades. TWS boasts multiple locations, including Tulsa, OK; Jacksonville, FL; Houston, TX; and the Dallas Metro Area, TX. The Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI) in Phoenix, AZ, was also acquired by StrataTech. RSI was founded in 1965.
Commitment to Workforce Development
StrataTech Education Group is focused on creating pathways into the skilled trades for individuals who may otherwise be underserved or overlooked. The company collaborates with employers, community organizations, and industry leaders to ensure that students gain hands-on training and access to real opportunities that lead to meaningful, lasting careers. Workforce development is more than just education; it's about empowerment.
Recognizing Excellence Within
StrataTech Education Group and its schools are frequently recognized for their contributions to education and the community. The group was named one of AZ Big Media's Most Admired Companies for 2025. Jamie Pearson, Senior Welding Instructor at Tulsa Welding School, was recognized for 31 years of dedicated service since joining TWS in 1994. During his tenure, Jamie has served as Assistant Director of Training, Director of Training, Director of Education, and even Maintenance Supervisor.
Skilled Nation Podcast: Amplifying Voices in the Trades
StrataTech Education Group launched its new podcast, Skilled Nation, to amplify a diverse lineup of voices that represent the heart of the trades. Hosted by Jimmy Rhoades, a regional Emmy award-winning comedian, writer, producer, and on-camera host, Skilled Nation shares authentic stories and unfiltered conversations from every corner of the skilled trades community and is packed with practical insights for anyone considering a career in the skilled trades. The podcast premiered its first three episodes on Sept. 19, in honor of National Tradesperson Day, and releases subsequent episodes biweekly.
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"We launched Skilled Nation to challenge the outdated notion that the skilled trades are just a fallback career," says Mary Kelly, CEO of StrataTech.
Following episodes featured Michael Gabhart, an HVAC business owner, and Mark Plowman, an instructor at Commercial Diving International. Future episodes will spotlight graduates who've turned their training into thriving careers, entrepreneurs who've built successful businesses from the ground up, and influential figures shaping the future of the trades. The podcast also explores exciting advances in smart home technologies, solar, and sustainable energy. Skilled Nation directly supports StrataTech's mission of elevating the skilled trades and challenging stigmas around these careers. The podcast is a front-row seat to the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of people living the Skilled Nation way: a way of life, a badge of honor. Skilled Nation is available on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
Addressing the Skilled Trades Gap
A consistent issue facing skilled-trade industry employers today is finding, developing, and retaining skilled workers. StrataTech Education Group’s industry-leading trade schools equip thousands of graduates a year with the foundational skills they need to enter successful, life-changing careers and become valuable, qualified assets to industry employers nationwide.
Technology evolves, and industry partners require world-class workers with the skills to address the nation's growing infrastructure needs. StrataTech Education Group recognizes that the way we teach those skills has to adjust with the times.
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