The National Fastener Distributors Association (NFDA) has awarded six scholarships for Fastener Training Week, an advanced fastener technical training program produced by the Fastener Training Institute. Each scholarship is valued at $2,500.
- Alexander Broadworth, Mid-States Bolt & Screw (Flint, Michigan)
- Dan Fordham, NSK Industries (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)
- Danette Gralfs, Empire Bolt & Screw (Spokane, Washington)
- Megan Somers, Mid-States Bolt & Screw (Flint, Michigan)
- Chris Trifari, Fastener Supply Company (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Applicants were evaluated based on the recommendation from their employer, personal achievements, work experience, and an essay. Identifying information was redacted, so that the team evaluating the applications did not know the names or employers of those applying.
The next deadline to apply for an NFDA Fastener Training Week scholarship is June 1. The application can be found at nfda-fastener.org/FTIScholarship
What Do Past Winners Have to Say About Their Fastener Training Week Experience?
Mark Champion, Falcon Fastening Systems - June 2017 winner
"I would like to personally thank the NFDA for allowing me the opportunity to attend Fastener Training Week. I was able to learn so much from the leading fastener industry experts and it gave me a wealth of knowledge to bring back for me to be able to use in my fastener career. I would definitely recommend this training to anyone new to the industry or someone who has been in the industry who is seeking to add value to their career."
Jeff Stearn, Fast-Rite International - December 2016 winner
"This shouldn’t be missed. I would like to say what a great experience this was for me being selected for the scholarship and attending. I enjoyed the training with experts and captains of this industry. These instructors took the time to try to answer every question asked and make the effort to help each and every student fully understand the material. I would have never been able to afford this class without the awarded scholarship and sponsorship of my employer. L.A., Cleveland, or Chicago, Fastener Training Institute will put in every effort to make sure you walk away a (C.F.S.) Certified Fastener Specialist. The field trip/plant tours allowed time to interact and get firsthand experience in manufacturing, secondary processes, and lab testing. I highly recommend this class."
Monica Sandoval, Falcon Fastening Systems - December 2015 winner
"During the year that I have been in the fastener industry, I have been introduced to many of the topics. However, during the training week, I was able to learn more about the details and specifics. One of the subjects that I was able to absorb the most was fastener standards, specially IFI resources. While in class I learned how to use the IFI Inch Standards book and had the opportunity to practice more while taking the final exam. I know this is a tool that I will be using in purchasing processes and that will allow me to be able to communicate more efficiently with suppliers and internal customers. I also really liked the visit to SGS MSi. It was very interesting to learn about the procedures and systems involved in failure analysis investigation which I had heard about before but had not actually seen."
NFDA is a non-profit trade association serving the North American fastener industry.
