Engineering design students experience High Steel Structures

Twenty-one Pennsylvania College of Technology engineering design students recently added a real-world element to their classroom education by touring High Steel Structures LLC in Williamsport. The renowned company is one of the largest steel fabricators in North America.

The students are all enrolled in CCD 237 Technical Drawing-Related Disciplines, a required course for both the bachelor’s degree in engineering design technology and the associate degree in engineering CAD technology. Engineering design instructors Catherine A. Krawiec and Kendra N. Tomassacci accompanied the students.

Throughout the tour, students gained insight into the various stages of structural steel fabrication, from interpreting technical drawings and planning production to maintaining quality standards and preparing finished components.  

“The course (CCD 237) introduces students to technical drawing practices across multiple disciplines, including structural steel detailing and fabrication. Observing these processes firsthand reinforced the importance of drawing accuracy, effective communication and collaboration among engineering, planning and production personnel,” Tomassacci said.

Penn College alumnus Adam Steppe, an industrial engineer at High Steel, coordinated the visit and provided the tour with plant superintendent Ben Lakis and fabrication planner Alex Davenport.

“Special appreciation is extended to Adam Steppe and the entire High Steel Structures’ team for their continued support of student learning and for sharing their time, expertise and industry knowledge,” Tomassacci said.

High Steel Structures is a member of the Visionary Society ($100,000-$499,999) on the college’s Donor Wall.

“Industry experiences such as this provide students with a valuable perspective on the expectations and responsibilities they may encounter in their future careers,” Tomassacci added. “The opportunity to interact with industry professionals and observe real-world applications of technical drawings strengthens their understanding of how classroom knowledge supports successful manufacturing operations.”