“Tech Design really elevated the program from a dirty lab to a high-tech facility. Adding SolidWorks and Chief Architect took it to a whole other level,” Jeff said. Over the years, the lab has evolved to become a pre-engineering environment. Jeff had many positive things to say about the software. In addition to it coming packaged with a wide range of design tools, video, tutorials, CD curriculum and teacher guide, he said that all of the resources are easy and affordable to upgrade.

The program often helps students expand their reach beyond the classroom as they see opportunities for practical application. One such example is the annual Student Design Contest sponsored by SolidWorks, in which students compete by entering models, images, or animations. A few years ago, one of Jeff’s students entered this international competition and finished in 3rd place. The student’s winning entry was a virtual prototype of a go-cart that had been designed with SolidWorks software in Churchill’s applied technology lab.

Along these same lines, Jeff would like to see greater integration between applied technology and robotics. He likes the idea of a manufacturer-sponsored robotics competition in which students could design and enter their own projects. There is no doubt that when students work toward a goal, it helps them aspire to greater things.

The drafting and CAD software also gives students a distinct competitive career advantage. Jeff explained that before the addition of SolidWorks and Chief Architect, students would leave his class with only a paper portfolio of their designs. Now, the software makes it possible for students to have both paper and digital portfolios of all their drawings, which are placed on a webpage of their own design.
When asked about future trends in this area, Mr. Hatley envisions more mobile equipment and components. For school districts feeling the current economic crunch, mobility is practical because it allows for complete flexibility and cross-curricular use. If you would like to learn about one way Lab Volt is responding to this need, take a look at the brand new STEMCart™ , a mobile, interactive demonstration cart for junior high school science classrooms.
For information on Lab Volt’s exciting interactive multimedia technology education program, look no further than Tech-Design®. Check out the professional home design software offered by Chief Architect® or the world’s number one mainstream 3D CAD software by SolidWorks.

A new feature of the program is the modular SMC industrial assembling system, specifically the FMS-200, which was added to the curriculum about three years ago.

The FMS system allows for flexibility in work station configuration. Customers may purchase all eight modules plus the transfer, or start with just one station and grow over time. Additionally, there is programming flexibility. “The nice thing about SMC is that it uses programmable controllers,” said John. “Because of these PLC’s, you can work with the SMC base components or you can add things to the system for instructional purposes. The sky’s the limit!”

At OCC, the first level of Automation Systems acquaints students with the technology and equipment, and helps them to develop an understanding of the operational sequences. In the advanced class, students are more active in applying this knowledge towards diagnostics and troubleshooting. Because these technologies are closely connected with electrical systems, fluid/mechanical systems, and industrial controls, much of the training also involves understanding how everything interrelates.

According to John, “It all comes down to providing valuable skill sets that employers need.” Whether the student blazes a career path into programming, maintenance, or material handling for example, or eventually goes on to become an engineer, industry looks for people who understand and can apply the technology. That’s what the program at Oakland Community College is all about – teaching students how to formulate innovative solutions that result in the “Wow! Factor”, as John termed it, and bottom-line productivity.

Just as technology continues to advance, so does the program at Oakland Community College. There are big plans in the works for a new building that will better integrate the existing core industrial areas – Robotics & Automation Systems Technology, Electrical Trades Technology, and Machine Tools – along with two brand new areas – Heating/Cooling, and Construction. This will ensure optimization of resources among departments and easier transitions for students specializing in the various programs that need to take the same core of courses. The expansion also means that an already impressive program is destined to become a sensation. Advanced Technologies Consultants is thrilled to have played a role in such a progressive program.

The entryway of the Manufacturing cluster was the perfect vantage point for observation of the program in action. Machining instructor, Bill Holmes, diligently worked his way around a lab full of machinery, overseeing his students. The hallway was a hub connecting a series of labs, arranged in an open configuration. Instead of floor to ceiling walls meant to segregate rooms, clear glass provided an open window to most of the specialized engineering/manufacturing areas: CAD, machining, welding, electricity/electronics, robotics, and hydraulics/pneumatics. The whole department buzzed with activity as students flowed through the area doing their jobs.

Northeast is one of four technical campuses within Oakland Schools. Students pursuing a career in engineering or manufacturing attend their regular high school classes, and can concurrently receive credit for this intense, hands-on program during their last two years. Afterward, there are various options. Oakland Schools have worked hard to forge transitional pathways so students that would like to continue their education can do so seamlessly at a two- or four-year institution. The program is especially well-integrated with Oakland Community College and Ferris State University. Other students attend local academies or move into apprenticeships in industry.

Bill is excited about the capabilities of the EMCO equipment, which is a fairly recent addition to his machining program. Currently, students use the mill and lathe to create a variety of sample projects enabling them to gain a global understanding of the machines’ capabilities and how they interrelate.

The equipment also provides an expert like Bill with learning opportunities as well. Live tooling is a new feature on his EMCO lathe that many other machines do not have. This attribute allows the user to do a single setup and perform multiple operations on one machine. Bill looks forward to upcoming training so he can incorporate live tooling into his program.

Although he may retire in five years, Bill said he’s not sure there’s anything else he would rather be doing. It was evident by his constant smile that he is a man who loves his job. Whether he’s mentoring students and helping them accomplish hands-on projects from the ground up or collaborating with fellow instructors, Bill Holmes has definitely carved a niche for himself.

If you would like to learn more about EMCO’s turnkey machines, software, and courseware, you can explore the entire product line at http://www.emcomaier-usa.com/.