NEW! Cochran’s is hosting an 8 week Course for beginners!

Feb. 21, 2019 to Apr. 11, 2019 Thursdays 5:30-7:30 pm, students will be introduced to monumental design, focusing on; industry standards, monument lettering, design editing and digitizing.

Upon completion of this course each student will meet union qualifications as an Apprentice Level Draftsman, eligible to obtain union employment among the many granite manufacturers in central VT- many of which hire in the spring- and provide full benefit packages and competitive wages. This is a great opportunity for high school students, recent grads, or anyone looking for a career change!

You can Read More about this opportunity in the Times Argus!

Cost is $550 for adults and $400 for students 18 or younger. Payment plans and funding are available. Email or call for more information or to fill out an application!

The folks here at Cochran's Inc. believe that our industry can only grow by sharing knowledge. We want to help the community of monument builders to improve. Education is vital in keeping our craft alive.

We are offering classes to anyone interested in learning more about the trades of Drafting, Sandblast, and Laser etching. Our classes are being held in the months that much of the granite industry is at rest. These 2, 3 or 5 day classes are an excellent opportunity for learning new tricks as well as strengthening old skills.

Cochran's School of Rock runs primarily September-November. Courses are scheduled one company at a time so that we may provide more individualized education. Reserve your time slot soon, they will fill quickly!

Balances must be paid in full before your first day of training. We accept all major credit cards.

Advanced Computerized Drafting

2 or 3 Day course, offered 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday

Work one-on-one with a draftsman who's spent over 35 years in the industry! Build on your existing drafting skills, learn how to create your own and modify existing alphabets, custom kerning, create custom scenes, and work in-depth on reading rubs and photo duplication. This course can be customized to suit your individual needs.

Up to 2 people per company are included in the rates below.

2 days for $900

3 days for $1,125

Sandblast Course Info

Students will work hands-on, sandblasting with career monument builders in our well-equipped facility. We will require all students to wear appropriate safety gear at all times. These are federally mandated regulations that we must all comply with. Please wear work pants that you expect to get torn, dirty, etc. Sandblast abrasive is NOT forgiving to clothes (or washing machines!). You should also have a heavy long sleeved shirt/jacket, and work boots. Cochran's Inc. will provide respirators and ear plugs to all students.

Each person participating in any sandblast course must purchase stone to work with. Plan to purchase 1 or 2 of the following discounted sets with your enrollment:

6 pack, Oriental Gray, 2-0 x 1-0 x 0-4, PFT, BWS Grass Markers - $450 net
6 pack, Oriental Black, 2-0 x 1-0 x 0-1, PFT, BWS Tiles - $160 net
6 pack, Oriental Gray, 2-0 x 1-0 x 0-1, PFT, BWS Tiles - $135 net
12 pack, Oriental Gray, 0-6 x 0-6 x 0-1, PFT, BWS Tiles - $170 net

Sandblasting 101

3 or 5 Day course Offered Monday-Friday, 7 am-3:30pm

This course will cover the basics of sandblast from cut stencil to finished product. Designs worked on will be flat carved only. We will demonstrate the different types of abrasives used and appropriate letter depths. If you have no sandblast experience at all, we recommend the full week. We will cover all steps in the double sandblasting process including: stone prep, applying stencil, skin frosted lettering, frosting panels, lithochrome application, and other special tips and techniques.

Up to 2 people per company are included in the rates below.

3 Days for $1,800

5 days for $3,000

Sandblast: Advanced Shape Carving

3 day course, offered Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm

Only available to sandblasters with MINIMUM 1-2 years prior experience with monumental sandblasting.

This course can be customized to suit your needs, but will cover hand cut veins, shape carved leaves, wild roses and other florals, praying hands, and a full day of one-on-one training on deep carved roses.

$2,500 per person

Laser Etching Designs

3 Day course, offered Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

This course is only available to companies that have our laser etching system.

Working with a professionally trained graphic artist, attendees will learn new Photoshop skills and brush up old ones to get work done smoother and faster.

Learn how to manipulate existing designs with ease, make new photo-realistic scenes and designs from scratch, clean up poor photographs, and how to etch the best portraits in the industry.

This course is being taught on the current version of Adobe Photoshop CC. Please bring the computer you usually work on if possible.

Up to 2 people per company are included in the rates below.

3 Days for $1,800

Local Accommodation

We have partnered with two nearby hotels to offer you discounted room rates for your stay. Please mention you are in town on business with Cochran's when you reserve.

Firehouse Inn offers luxury suites complete with kitchenettes, and is located above a popular local restaurant. Rates are $125/night.

The Comfort Inn and Suites at Maplewood is easily accessible off the highway, and offers a business center and nearby Applebees restaurant. Rates are $108/night for Cochran’s customers. All rates include a complimentary hot breakfast each morning for all guests. We offer complimentary coffee, tea, & soda throughout the day, and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies & milk after 3:00 pm in our lobby.

Artful Retreats offers apartments with full kitchens, located in Montpelier Vermont. Rates are $90/ night for Cochran’s customers.