Extensive competency certifications, integrated knowledge of core manufacturing processes and 5-axis literacy are cornerstones of an aggressive new associate’s degree program at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Arizona.
The new, two-year AAS degree program was developed out of the school’s continuing effort to meet the skills requirements of more than 100 nearby manufacturers. About 90% of the students enrolled in the program are also working full-time for these same companies. The average age of students in the program is 35.
In this program, students quickly leave the world of conventional 2D machining to become immersed in multi-axis processes working on five CNC mills and four CNC lathes along with advanced CAD/CAM (Computer Automated Design/Computer Automated Manufacturing) software. Instructor Dave Zamora said “We have pretty much upped the ante so that 2-axis machining is a basic introductory course and everything from then on is multi-axis machines. They leave our course 5-axis literate.”
They also leave with certified competency in 5 critical manufacturing disciplines including Mastercam. “I drill these guys, two nights a week for five hours a night, consistently giving them harder programs, so they are living it. There is no slack time; it’s like a boot camp,” Zamora said.
These crammed schedule can be a real sacrifice, particularly for students who are married and have family responsibilities. On the other hand, employers frequently reward these students with promotions and substantial pay increases.
In July 2008, a 20-student contingency from the program set sort of a record by taking and passing the Mastercam Certification Test. This comprehensive exam covered everything the students learned in 24 weeks of double-session classes. “For these certifications,” Zamora said, “there is no such thing as teaching to the test. The only way a student can pass is by knowing exactly what he is doing.”
The students had already passed their NIMS certification in manual machining, the Haas Certification in CNC Machining and will also become certified in SolidWorks CAD (Computer Aided Design). (In the future, the program will be adding a 5th, ASQ certification in CMM Programming and SPC Statistical Process Control.)
The certification course track delivers to local manufacturers individuals who are well grounded in all of the disciplines that comprise a modern manufacturing enterprise. With these core certifications behind them, most of the students will now ease up and complete the remaining 20 hours of course requirements for their Associate’s degrees over the next 24 months. |