Emerging from the government imposed restrictions, the North Regional California Community College Advanced Manufacturing initiative (Edu2Mfg) brought together eight high school and community college instructors at an approved gathering in the Sierra College Mechatronics lab on Saturday, May 22. Participants were delighted to be attending the in-person training after suffering from a year of zoom fatigue.

Roy Ingram, Sierra College Mechatronics instructor, kicked off the gathering by providing each attendee with a battery, wire and a magnet. They were tasked to construct their own simple motor. The activity spawned a discussion on how electromagnetism and current flow made the motor spin.

During the session, Louie Garcia, Sierra College Building Trades instructor, described how he made a Litchenberg Wood Burning device. After he demonstrated its use, Steve Dicus with Edu2Mfg said that they had to hold the teachers back who wanted to try the new process. "We are hoping to hold a workshop this summer where participants can make and take one of these devices for their labs," said Dicus.

To add value to the training, each participant brought a teaching aid, student project or something to share that the others might find useful, explained Dicus. "Pete Delosa, Golden Sierra High School, described how he challenged his students to build a simple bridge to create the maximum span with a single piece of 8.5 x 11 paper," said Dicus. "Pete graciously agreed to set up a Google drive folder where all the teachers could upload simple student challenges they use to give other instructors ideas for lesson enhancements. During the discussion, other teachers chimed in with projects and student challenges they used to engage and instruct their students."

At the end of the program there was a consensus that participants would like to visit each other's shops and labs over the summer to gain fresh ideas on ways to engage the "rising generation."

Autodesk® Hosts EDU CAM Summit on June 15-16

Autodesk® will host the 2021 EDU CAM Summit on June 15-16, 9AM to 1 PM. Attendees will hear from leading faculty and industry experts to learn how they are forging the way in academia to align with Industry 4.0. Attendees will also see live demonstrations of Adaptive Roughing and 3D and multi axis machining.

Speakers include:

Presentation and discussion topics will include:

For more information, see the EDU CAM Summit flyer or go to the registration page.

Harris & Bruno International in Roseville hosted the Sierra College Mechatronics career fair on May 21. Students had an opportunity to talk with many Sacramento area manufacturing companies to learn about employment openings.

Tony Osladil, Mechatronics Department Chair, Sierra College, reported that industry partners responded positively to the event. "Despite our reduced number of graduates this semester due to COVID distancing requirements in our labs, I was glad to hear that businesses indicated that it was well worth the time to come and talk with students," said Osladil. "I look forward to getting back to our usual 20+ graduates per semester starting in the fall."

Not only did Harris & Bruno host the event, the company graciously provided lunch for the attendees. "The barbeque was excellent," said Osladil. "With the college still being hesitant to have events on campus, Harris & Bruno's hosting of this event was greatly appreciated. The company has been a partner of the Mechatronics program since our very beginning over 15 years ago and continues to be a valued industry partner and leader in the local business community. Thank you to Courtney, Teresa and Nick for making this happen."

Osladil indicated that the next Sierra College Mechatronics career fair will be planned for November 2021. In the meantime, he is taking feedback from companies on ways to enhance the event. Contact Tony Osladil.

SME will host an in-person member Mixer on June 10 at 6-9 PM at Drake's: The Barn in West Sacramento. According to Jeff Briggs, SME member and Regional Director, California Community Colleges Advanced Manufacturing North Region, the event will be a chance to connect and catch up with fellow SME members. Register. 

Yuba College is offering a summer WELD 83 class that covers an introduction to MIG, TIG and CNC plasma. Students can also register for the fall MFGT 34, an introduction to CNC course. Learn more about Manufacturing Technology at Yuba College.

Sierra College will be offering ADVM 62 during the summer session. Also Mech-1, a general education science class for non-Mechatronics majors, is scheduled for the summer. There are still some open seats in the Sierra College Mechatronics entry-level fall courses, despite class size being limited to half of the normal headcount. If the college returns to normal class sizes, even more students will be able to register. Learn more under Sierra College Applied Technologies.

At Sacramento City College learn more about the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Technician program. Folsom Lake College is offering Modern Making certificate.

The Sacramento Valley Manufacturers Alliance (SVMA) is building its social media community. Get connected by following and interacting online.

Parallax, Inc. has scheduled an Educator's Workshop on Electronics with micro:bit and Python for July 19, 21 and 23. Attendees will learn how to add a pre-engineering focus to maker and CTE programs. Discover ways to combine circuit-building, micro:bit Python scripting and signal measurement with lessons that support coding, product design and manufacturing. View Parallax workshops.

If you have questions about dual enrollment, Jeff Briggs, Regional Director, California Community Colleges Advanced Manufacturing North Region, can help. He works as a liaison between high school teachers and college programs. As a workforce development solution, dual enrollment shortens the time it takes for a student to start a manufacturing career and fill the pipeline with qualified graduates. Contact Jeff Briggs. Find more information at the California Community Colleges Dual Enrollment page.

Instructors attending the Edu2Mfg Train the Trainer session in May suggested that it would be helpful to share design challenges. These can range from something simple to engage students at the beginning of class to a more involved project to start off a new unit. Many require a minimum supplies such as paper clips, paper and scissors. Pete Delosa, Golden Sierra High School, has set up a Google drive that you can add your projects to and browse other teachers' design challenges. Check out Design Challenges.

In celebration of National Manufacturing Day, SME will host a Manufacturing Expo on October 1, 2021 from 7AM-4PM at the Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Dr., Rancho Cordova CA. The Expo will connect the regional manufacturing network and is presented by the California Community Colleges North Far North Regional Consortium. Companies interested in being sponsors or exhibiting and those interested in attending can register at the SME 2021 Expo website.

According to a May 4 CNN Business article, American factories are desperate for workers and it's estimated to be a $1 trillion problem. "Demand for goods is skyrocketing as the US economy reopens from the pandemic. But there's a big problem: American factories can't find enough people to do the work." Read in CNN Business