Refrigeration School Inc. (RSI), one of Arizona’s longest-standing skilled trades training institutions, will officially become Tulsa Welding School (TWS) in Arizona on July 20, unifying the campus under a single national brand while continuing its more than 60-year legacy of workforce education.
The rebrand coincides with plans for a major campus expansion, scheduled to break ground this fall, and continued investment in welding, electrical and HVAC/refrigeration programs designed to meet growing demand for skilled trades professionals across Arizona and the nation.
Founded in 1965, RSI has trained generations of tradespeople through hands-on education. School officials said the name change will not affect programs, instructors, curriculum or student support services.
“For more than 60 years, RSI has helped shape Arizona’s skilled workforce and transform lives through career-focused education,” says Bill Nance, CEO and President of StrataTech Education Group. “This transition honors that remarkable legacy while positioning our Arizona campus for future growth. By bringing our schools together under the Tulsa Welding School brand, we are able to expand opportunities for students and employers and leverage the resources of a nationally recognized institution, all while preserving the values and educational excellence that have defined RSI for generations.”
The transition reflects the school’s evolution beyond its refrigeration roots. Today, the campus offers training in welding, electrical and HVAC/refrigeration, preparing students for careers in some of the country’s most in-demand industries. Students will continue to receive hands-on instruction, expanded educational resources and enhanced connections with employers through the Tulsa Welding School network.
Current students will experience a seamless transition, with no changes to course schedules, graduation timelines or program offerings. Diplomas and credentials earned under the RSI name will continue to carry the institution’s longstanding reputation and accreditation.
Industry partners welcomed the move, noting it strengthens workforce development while preserving the quality of education.
“As someone who graduated from RSI and now hires skilled technicians, I know the value of the education students receive,” says Jesse Keenan, founder and owner of Semper Fi Heating and Cooling. “The name may be changing, but the quality of the training, the instructors and the graduates remains the same.”
During the transition, the campus will be identified as “Tulsa Welding School, formerly RSI” to help students, alumni, employers and community partners recognize the new brand. School leaders said the unified identity and expanded campus will position TWS to help address Arizona’s growing skilled trades workforce needs for years to come.
