Four East Valley Institute of Technology welding program students were the focus of a “topping out” ceremony April 3 at Chandler fabricator SteelFab Inc. in north Chandler.

The centuries-old construction tradition was a dedication that unveiled what a news release calls Arizona’s first American Institute of Steel Construction Tree teaching sculpture.

The steel sculpture, constructed by EVIT students, is made of steel beam, showcasing every type of structural connection used for buildings. It allows for continuous training to be done on all aspects of steel fabrication.

The beam was signed and raised with the tradition of attaching a Christmas tree and American flag before its final placement. According to SteelFab, there are 198 AISC tree sculptures in the U.S., but this one is the first in Arizona.

SteelFab supplied the steel for EVIT students to fabricate over the past year. SteelFab officials hope this education marker will generate enthusiasm for their industry in the Chandler community and among students considering careers in steel fabrication, the release states.

EVIT is a public technical and trade school offering career training, including welding, and paid apprenticeships in structural metal fabrication, for adults and high school students at two central campuses in Mesa.

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