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News Releases
National
Science Foundation Awards Grant for Automated Manufacturing
Lawson
State Community College received a two-year National Science Foundation Grant to
equip an automated manufacturing lab and develop industrial systems maintenance
curriculum. The new lab contains a modular production line designed for
high-tech training utilizing practical, real-world programs. The system
provides the perfect platform for analyzing and troubleshooting the interaction
between mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, control, and communications. The
production line can reproduce most tasks found in today’s complex
manufacturing. In addition to the production line, the college equipped a 15
station real-time simulation lab to enhance hands-on experiences. The same
control hardware for the simulators is used on the production line and taught on
high resolution graphics terminals and maintenance package computers. The lab
is housed on the Bessemer campus in the Millsap Industrial Training Center. It
combines appropriate manufacturing and engineering related curriculum with a
Modular Production System, by FESTO, to create real-time learning.
Over
the next six years production occupations in Alabama will swell to 228,520 with
a projected 4,565 job openings each year (Alabama Department of Industrial
Relations).
For more information about Automated Manufacturing contact
Nancy Wilson, (205) 929-3451 or
nwilson@lawsonstate.edu.
Pre-Engineering
Academy Founded
“This past semester Lawson State’s instructors in the
Division of Manufacturing and Engineering designed an innovative high school
academy funded by The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham,” explained Dr.
Perry Ward, President of Lawson State. “The academy is for students interested
in how engineers visualize, design and create objects,” said Ward.
The Community Foundation provided the funding to purchase
SolidWorks, a software package which employs project-based learning to stimulate
and challenge thinking. SolidWorks is a fast, short-learning curve tool which
assists students in translating ideas into models, and models into prototypes.
“The goal is not only to learn about the design process, but also to gain the
communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that prepare students
for challenging careers and rewarding futures,” explained Nancy Wilson, Division
Chair for Manufacturing and Engineering. After visualizing and designing an
object, students in the program build it to scale on the 3D rapid prototyping
system.
The program is designed by engineering educators to serve
as a launch pad for a wide variety of career options in manufacturing, design,
electrical, and electronics. Currently, Corporate Services is seeking
businesses interested in partnering with the college to help sponsor the program
and provide internships for high school students.
For more information about the academy contact Nancy
Wilson, (205) 929-3451 or
nwilson@lawsonstate.edu.
Autodesk®
Authorized Training Center Serves Southeast
Autodesk and the Corporate Services Division of Lawson
State Community College have created a partnership to provide seminars and
classes on the latest computer aided design software.
As an authorized, 2007-Ready Autodesk Training Center (ATC®)
the college offers classes on all Autodesk software. In order to achieve ATC
status, Lawson State completed an extensive certification process. Autodesk is
the worldwide, industry standard for computerized drafting and design. The
college is authorized by Autodesk to deliver hands-on, instructor-led training
to design professionals using Autodesk software. It is recognized by Autodesk
for its rigorous standards of excellence and is a 2007-Ready ATC®. “Being
2007-Ready means the center is up-to-date on the latest and greatest design
technology and that it demonstrates superior product knowledge and shows that it
has made state-of-the-art technology its highest priority,” explained Mr.
Donnell Perry, an Autodesk instructor.
The seminars are intended for drafting and design
professionals who want to increase their productivity and skill sets, the ATC
provides training that is consistent, convenient, and classroom-based. “Only an
authorized ATC offers CAD training that is measured, evaluated and approved by
Autodesk,” explained Mr. Perry. As an Autodesk Authorized Training Center the
college is recognized as the premier Autodesk educational channel for delivering
authorized, instructor-led training in the southeast.
For a schedule of upcoming seminars contact Claudia
Burgin, (205) 929-3519 or
cburgin@lawsonstate.edu.
Alabama
Power Partnership
Lawson State’s Corporate Services Division is partnering
with Alabama Power to provide a teaching program designed to assist prospective
job candidates in obtaining the skills necessary to be successful on Alabama
Power Company’s pre-employment assessment - Edison Electric Institute
Construction and Skill Trade Test. Once through the program participants will
receive a Career Readiness Certificate from the Alabama Office of Workforce
Development. The certificate indicates a person’s level of performance on ACT
WorkKeys assessments in reading for information, locating information, and
applied mathematics. Corporate Services recommends participants achieve a level
5 in each of the areas before attempting the Alabama Power test. The program is
designed for people seeking entry-level employment in power delivery
transmissions with an opportunity to prepare for journeyman-level linemen and
electrician wiremen classifications.
For more information contact Claudia Burgin, (205)
929-3519 or
cburgin@lawsonstate.edu.
Machine
Tool Technology Locates in the Millsap Industrial Training Center
The Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education has approved a
state-of-the-art machine tool program for Lawson State’s Bessemer campus. Over
$1 million in new equipment was provided by Alabama Industrial Development
Training (AIDT) for the new program. In addition to the traditional equipment,
the lab has two Haas Mini Mills, two Hass SL 10 Turning Centers, and a Haas
Control Simulator for classroom training and/or on-site control demonstrations.
The machine trade workforce is aging and large numbers of workers are expected
to retire within the next 5 to 10 years. In Alabama the machine shops and
threaded product manufacturing industry will increase 16.73% by 2012.
Curriculum for the program was developed by an eight member advisory committee
from industry. Classes include: Machining Technology I and II, Machining
Calculations, Basic Blueprint Reading for Machinists, Metrology, Introduction to
Computer Numerical Control, and Special Topics in Machine Tool Technology. The
classes are offered both for credit and non-credit and are divided into
competencies so industry can select only the skills their employees need to
learn.
For more information about the Machine Tool Program
contact Nancy Wilson, (205) 929-3451 or
nwilson@lawsonstate.edu.
Hank
Wade Named to NCATC National Board
Lawson State is one of 150 colleges nationwide who make up the National
Coalition for Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC). During this year’s NCATC
Conference, in Los Angeles, California, Hank Wade was elected to serve on the
Coalition’s Board of Directors. He is a drafting and design instructor at
Lawson State Community College.
The mission of the NCATC is to advocate and promote the use of technology
applications that enhance economic and workforce development programs and
services through a member network of higher education and educational
resources. NCATC continues to increase the national awareness of the most
current and emerging technology, processes, and equipment through its strategic
alliance membership with corporations that best strengthen and align with its
mission. Many of the new programs and services offered through the Corporate
Services Division are established and nurtured through the NCATC network.
For more information about the NCATC contact Hank Wade,
(205) 929-3472 or
hwade@lawsonstate.edu.
Rapid
Prototyping and Additive Manufacturing Lab Offers Services
Using Lawson State’s 3D printer and computer design software, tools and products
can be designed and replicated within hours. The Contex / Z Corp rapid
prototype equipment prints high-definition 3D models that accurately reflect the
original design data. 3D prototypes can be crucial aids to help companies
achieve engineering and business goals. With high-definition 3D parts, a
company can efficiently communicate and evaluate design concepts throughout the
product development process. Improved communication enables employees to
compress design cycles, enhance manufacturing planning, shorten time-to-market,
create new products, and even win business.
The Corporate Services Division works with businesses and industries interested
in printing a 3D model. The cost is determined by the run time and the amount
of materials used for the model. The Rapid Prototyping and Additive
Manufacturing Lab is located in the Millsap Industrial Training Center.
For more information contact Richard Humber, (205)
929-3431 or
rhumber@lawsonstate.edu.
Geographic
Information System (GIS) Program Opens
GIS helps companies and governments look for patterns in both the man-made and
natural realms so they can better understand the world. This new technology in
mapping is booming and Lawson State offers a program for both traditional
students and employees needing to update or learn new skills.
The Geographic Information System takes the numbers and words from the rows and
columns in databases and spreadsheets and places them on maps. This process
highlights characteristics such as the location of new customers, where
environmental degradation is occurring, the identification of roads and water
systems needing repairs, and identifies ways to increase farm production and
manage land more efficiently. Mapping geologic features and ground temperatures
can assist exploration geologists look for minerals, gas, oil, and other
materials underground. If companies can identify patterns of likely locations,
they save money and reduce the environmental impact of drilling.
There is a quick certificate for students seeking college credit and the
Corporate Services Division offers seminars and specialty training for
businesses and municipalities.
For more information about
GIS
careers
contact Donnell Perry, (205) 929-3475 or
donperry@lawsonstate.edu.
Fleet
Training Expands Across Alabama
Alabama’s source for automotive and diesel fleet training is the Alabama Center
for Automotive Excellence. Fleet training provides municipalities and large
companies with a variety of classes in areas such as basic electrical, advanced
electrical, automatic transmission diagnosis, air conditioning, Allison
transmission, GM and Ford new product updates, hybrid technology and diesel
engine diagnostics.
The fleet training year begins each September and ends in March. Classes are
three days in length. “This timeframe coincides with the winter months, allowing
the largest number of employees to attend without disrupting work flow,”
explained Tommy Hobbs, Business and Industry Liaison.
Participants in fleet training include; the cities of Hoover, Birmingham,
Auburn, Huntsville, Gadsden and Vestavia Hills. Jefferson County also
participates each year in the program. The Alabama Center for Automotive
Excellence instructors are factory trained, ASE master certified in Ford, GM or
Toyota. The cost for classes is $100 per day per student which allows even the
smallest fleets to participate.
For more
information about Fleet Training contact Tommy Hobbs, 205.929.3521 or
thobbs@lawsonstate.edu.
Progressive Insurance Partners with
Corporate Services
Progressive
Insurance and the Corporate Services Division at Lawson State Community College
teamed up to develop a seminar for claim adjusters. The curriculum, especially
designed for Progressive Insurance, provides first-hand experience on what it
takes to repair a vehicle. Alga Gatson and Darryl Rowe, Lawson State’s collision
repair instructors, provided each participant with a vehicle panel such as a
door or fender. The adjusters dented the panels and then participated in a
step-by-step process to repair the damage and apply paint. “The seminar was
particularly helpful to adjusters because they have to estimate how much time
and material it will take to make repairs,” said Tommy Hobbs, Business and
Industry Liaison with Corporate Services. Hobbs worked with Charles McCombs,
Property Damage Manager for Progressive Insurance to design the eight hour
seminar. Progressive Insurance is the third largest insurance group in the
country.
For more
information contact Tommy Hobbs, 205.929.3521 or
thobbs@lawsonstate.edu.
Automotive
Manufacturing in Alabama Booming
Since 1997,
Alabama has become home to Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Hyundai assembly plants.
Other automakers have chosen Alabama to build their engines, including Toyota
and International Diesel, which produces advanced technology diesel engines.
This year, Business Facilities magazine ranked Alabama second in the “Top 10
States for Automotive Manufacturing Growth.” Over the last 10 years, the
automotive industry, in Alabama has invested over $7 billion and currently
accounts for 44,834 direct jobs (Alabama Department of Industrial Relations).
For more information about
automotive
manufacturing careers
contact Nancy Wilson, (205) 929-3451 or
nwilson@lawsonstate.edu.
Advanced Robotics
Center for Automotive Manufacturing
The Alabama Center for Automotive Excellence is expanding its robotics program
with the development of an Advanced Robotics Center (ARC) for Automotive
Manufacturing. The Center will house robotic arms, computer based robotics
simulations and a nine station modular production line designed to teach
students to analyze and troubleshoot the interaction between mechanical,
pneumatic, electrical, programmable controllers, and communication systems. The
21st Century production line is the result of a two-year National Science
Foundation (NSF) grant to Lawson State.
Instructors in the Advanced Robotics Center will provide both credit and
Corporate Services classes through the College. Rich Raymond, Industrial
Electronics Instructor, is instrumental in organizing the ARC and coordinating
the curriculum. “A typical manufacturing assembly plant uses several hundred
robots to build and paint vehicles” said Raymond. Suppliers, who make the parts
for an assembly plant, use robots with laser technology for measuring, blanking,
trimming, punching, welding and diemaking. Robots are also essential for moving
and loading materials and supplies in today’s clean-room environment of
manufacturing plants.
For more information about
automotive
manufacturing careers
contact Nancy Wilson, (205) 929-3451 or
nwilson@lawsonstate.edu.
Lawson State Community College and
Jefferson County Commission Exchange Geographic Information System (GIS) Data
and Technologies
The Jefferson County Commission and Lawson State Community College signed a
formal Cooperative agreement to share Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data
which is used to support decision-making and citizen services. GIS helps
companies and governments look for patterns in both the man-made and natural
realms so they can better understand the world. This new technology in mapping
is booming and Lawson State offers a premier program for both traditional
students and employees needing to update or learn new GIS skills. “By sharing
the data the College can assist the County with mapping and our students will
have a plethora of data on which they can apply their skills in the learning
process,” explained GIS instructor, Donnell Perry. “We are appreciative of
Commissioner Smoot and the entire Jefferson County Commission for entering into
this agreement with Lawson State,” said Perry.
The Geographic Information System takes the numbers and words from the rows and
columns in databases and spreadsheets and places them on maps. This process
highlights characteristics such as the location of new customers, where
environmental degradation is occurring, the identification of roads and water
systems needing repairs, and identifies ways to increase farm production and
manage land more efficiently. Mapping geologic features and ground temperatures
can assist exploration geologists look for minerals, gas, oil, and other
materials underground. If companies can identify patterns of likely locations,
they save money and reduce the environmental impact of drilling.
The College offers a GIS certificate with 3D printing for students seeking
college credit and the Corporate Services Division hosts seminars and specialty
training for businesses and municipalities.
For more information about
GIS
careers
contact Donnell Perry, (205) 929-3475 or
donperry@lawsonstate.edu.
CDL Program Offered By Corporate
Services
The Alabama
Center for Automotive Excellence is now offering a six week Commercial Driver’s
License (CDL) program to prepare students for one of the fastest growing careers
in the state and country. The course is designed to help students pass the
Alabama CDL test and prepare for a fleet job with a carrier or become an
independent owner.
For more
information about the CDL program contact Tommy Hobbs, 205.929.3521 or
thobbs@lawsonstate.edu.
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