JUNE 2013 - Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association

EDUCATOR'S CORNERProviding Skilled GraduatesALEXANDRIA TECHNICAL & COMMUNITY COLLEGEby Dr. Chad CoauetteAlexandria Technical and CommunityCollege (ATCC) has a rich history ofproviding industry with highly skilledgraduates in the Machine Tool Technology(MTT) program, routinely placingstudents in top spots at the SkillsUSAChampionships. In 2011, the MTT studentrepresentatives swept first place in sixcategories at the state competition, andplaced first in CNC Turning and secondin Precision Machining at the nationalcompetition. The 2012, state competitionagain showed a focus on excellencewith two first place finishes. The currentstudents (36 first year students and 30second year students) are preparing forthe 2013 SkillsUSA competition and arepoised for success, as they strive to meetthe high level of expectations and learningoutcomes that are expected by instructorsand industry partners alike.The Machine Tool Technology AASand diploma options are designed toprepare a student to enter the machine tooltrade or to seek additional education. The2-year Machine Tool Technology programempowers a student to understand thenature and purpose of machining and havea career in the machine tool industry. Thestudent is introduced to tools, materials,equipment, trade terms, and developscritical career skills. The student receivesadvanced precision machining skills usingCNC machining and turning centers,wire and sinking EDM’s, precision surfacegrinders, CAD/CAM software, and othermodern shop equipment. The studentsbecome machinists as they becomeknowledgeable in reading blueprints,become acquainted with a variety ofmetals, and learn how to use the varioustypes of cutting tools.In addition, students learn to useprecision measuring tools to makeaccurate setups on manual lathes, verticalmilling machines, surface grinders,CNC machines (using Haas, Mazak, andMilltronics controllers), and other variousshop equipment. Currently, ATCC hasseveral articulation agreements whichaccept the Machine Tool AAS for transferinto bachelor’s degree programs.In an attempt to create an alternativeeducational program to develop moreskilled employees, ATCC recently workedwith the Minnesota Department of Laborand Industry and regional industrypartners to develop a new MachiningApprenticeship program. The collegeworked with the National Institutefor Metalworking Skills, Inc. (NIMS)standards to implement a competencybasedapprenticeship training approach,where the apprentice is able to builda portfolio of skills and credentialsvalidating the acquired skilled levels.This approach will provide a returnon investment for the apprentice intraining and employer sponsor, throughbetter on-the-job performance, alongwith a “Certificate of Completion ofTraining” for the apprentice from theapprenticeship unit of the MinnesotaDepartment of Labor and Industry.This program allows apprentices theability to validate levels of achievement thatare recognized throughout the industryas well as obtain college credits. The skillstandards used in the core competenciesrequired are industry written and validated.The assessments used to measure theattainment of the competencies aredeveloped from the skill standards and areindustry designed and validated.During the apprenticeship program,apprentices receive on-the-job trainingand related instruction that will lead tothe successful completion of the corecompetencies and NIMS credentials todevelop the level of job performance andproficiency of a skilled journey worker.During each segment of structured, onthe-jobtraining, apprentices are requiredto participate in course work related tothe job (no less than 144 hours per yearof the apprenticeship) that will lead tosuccessful completion of the requiredcore competencies and NIMS credentials.The on-the-job training portion of theprogram will be under the direction andguidance of the apprentices’ mentors and/or supervisors.Recognizing the need to developshorter term training opportunities to trainmachine tool employees, the CustomizedTraining Center at ATCC has designedand rolled out a successful “ManufacturingBoot Camp” that is intended to assistmanufacturers with the development ofentry level manufacturing operators. The144-hour non-credit course is designed asan introduction to the basic and essentialmanufacturing skills necessary for entrylevel manufacturing operators. The courseis delivered with a combination of practicalhands-on activities, lecture-based learning,and workbook activities.Throughout this course of study, eachstudent will be afforded the opportunityto complete the following NIMScredentials: (1) Measurement, Materialsand Safety; (2) CNC Milling Operations;and (3) CNC Turning Operations. Thisinitiative lays the groundwork for futureshort term training projects targeted tostudents who otherwise may not have anopportunity to train and become engagedin a manufacturing workplace.Each educational program listedabove (2-year program, MachiningApprenticeship, and Manufacturing BootCamp) are part of a strategically designedplan to meet the many different industryand learner needs within the MachineTool Technology arena. Without strongsupport from industry partners, ATCCwould not be able to effectively sustain orgrow these programs into the future.Key industry partner support hasand will continue the advancement ofstrong Machine Tool Technology programofferings that are in high demand bystudents and employers. The Machine ToolTechnology program at ATCC continuesto position itself aggressively as a premierprogram, at a premier institution. Thankyou for your continued support!PMDR. CHAD COAUETTEis dean of customizedtraining at AlexandriaTechnical and CommunityCollege. He can be reachedat chadc@alextech.edu.34 | PRECISION MANUFACTURING May | June 2013