Students in the machine tool class at the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) recently learned more about the highly specialized centrifugal compressor industry thanks to a visit from Todd Pearson, Brinden Ray, and Avin Moore with Universal Compressor Solutions (UCS).
The visit was coordinated by the Power in Partnership program, a partnership between the ATC and Graves County Economic Development (GCED) that brings professionals to the classroom to share their expertise and offer career advice.
Ray explained how the machinists at UCS produce and repair precision aftermarket centrifugal air compressor components using some of the same kinds of equipment the students are training on right now. He also discussed how students can prepare for careers in the field and noted that UCS sometimes offers co-op job training for students.
“It was great to be able to discuss with students how our specific industry impacts the local community and the greater world at large,” said Pearson. “Universal Compressor Solutions is happy to support the ATC program, because several of our current employees received training there during their high school years and we have seen the benefit it provides firsthand.”
Locally owned, Universal Compressor Solutions combines advanced manufacturing technology with deep industry expertise. Their team offers decades of combined experience, cutting-edge machining capabilities, and rigorous quality control to deliver solutions that exceed customer expectations. They ensure every product is delivered with precision, reliability, and speed.
"From welcoming students on field trips, hosting students for coops, or giving feedback in advisory meetings, Universal Compressor Solutions maintains an active and vital partnership with the ATC and we certainly appreciate that,” said ATC Principal Josh Heisner.
Heisner added that during the presentation, Pearson talked to students about the importance of attendance, taking great care of their tools and equipment, and how having a versatile skill set can make potential employees very valuable. “Ray shared that he previously owned his own machine shop and now works for UCS,” said Heisner. “He said the company treats people like family.”
Moore, a 2025 graduate of the ATC's Machine Tool program, completed a work co-op at UCS last year and now works there full-time. Moore touched on the differences between the skills he learned in the ATC program and expanding those skills at UCS while also getting paid.
“As the ‘Centrifugal Compressor Capital of the World,’ Graves County offers a wide range of advanced manufacturing and industrial maintenance occupations,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “Power in Partnership helps ensure we continue to provide the skilled workforce these companies need while also opening the door to great careers for our ATC students. We’re grateful to these businesses for sharing their time and talent with our young people.”
The ATC’s machine tool technology program provides students with an understanding of machine capabilities, properties of material and workplace practices. Students are taught needed skills through classroom instruction, demonstration and hands-on experience.
The ATC is located on the Mayfield High School campus and educates students from Mayfield Independent Schools, Graves County High School and Carlisle County High School.