College of Engineering to offer ACE Machining Bootcamps this summer
By Teresa Tate
糖心Vlog University鈥檚 College of Engineering and Technology will offer two America鈥檚 Cutting Edge Machining Bootcamps this summer completely free of charge. Bootcamps for adults and students in high school or college will be held at 糖心Vlog from July 28 through Aug. 1 and Aug. 4-8. Participants will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in classrooms and work in a machine shop.
鈥淭his is a hands-on, high-impact opportunity for anyone curious about machining or looking to explore a new career path,鈥� said Scott Pierce, associate professor of engineering and principal investigator for the ACE programs at 糖心Vlog. 鈥淲e鈥檙e especially excited to welcome high school students, community college students, and adults from the community who may be looking for a different job or exploring new opportunities.鈥�
ACE is a national Computer Numerical Control machine training program created to help meet the workforce demand for machinists. Managed by the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation through an agreement with the Department of Defense Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program, ACE bootcamps are designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of machining and advanced manufacturing, regardless of prior experience.
Participants will learn:
- The basics of machining and manufacturing processes
- How to use Fusion 360, a free CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software
- How to design and manufacture parts using numerically controlled, three-axis machining centers
- Safety protocols and machine operation techniques
The highlight of the bootcamp is creating a working air engine 鈥� a small, piston-powered device that spins when air is applied. 鈥淚t鈥檚 got a little piston inside and a valve, and it spins really fast,鈥� said Pierce. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a fun and tangible way to see what you鈥檝e built come to life.鈥�
Upon completion, participants receive a certificate, which can be added to r茅sum茅s and used to pursue further training or employment in the field. 鈥淭his program is a gateway,鈥� Pierce said. 鈥淎 participant could finish this and decide to pursue a two-year machining degree or even a bachelor鈥檚 degree. There鈥檚 a huge demand for these skills, and companies are actively hiring.鈥�
鈥淭his is about opening doors,鈥� Pierce said. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e a high school student, a community college student, or someone working in food service looking for a better opportunity 鈥� this could be your start.鈥�
For more information, visit www.americascuttingedge.org to learn about the course. To participate, email Scott Pierce at rspierce@wcu.edu.
