ESE Newsletter #2: Educators are a part of my community, make me a part of yours!
Can I join your OAC Board?
Advisory Meetings… October is generally a time where I am fortunate enough to have dynamic conversations with both education and industry together through various board meetings. I’ve certainly been attending my share of them recently. Hearing the needs of local industry directly allows me to truly understand what can be done to meet the needs of students, the school, and the OAC members. All too often, we witness representatives from industry suggesting a solution/topic or piece of equipment without really understanding what options are available. In some cases, it should be up to the school to not only meet these needs but to push beyond those needs and significantly increase the skills of the students along with the individuals working in their local industries.
After a recent OAC meeting, I found myself having a conversation with some industry advisors in the parking lot until nearly 10 at night. This led us down the direction of automated machine tending. Not only was this subject something that was being heavily implemented on their shop floor, but programming these stations was a skill set that is only growing in demand. Through my network, I am able to help this manufacturer acquire turnkey solutions to increase productivity while providing an identical setup repurposed for the classroom.
While this scenario can help me increase sales, it’s a very fulfilling way to spend my time. I truly enjoy every opportunity to hear firsthand what can be done simply by connecting with the right people. While I cannot possibly attend every meeting in our region (although I may try,) consistently hearing the needs of those partners in your local area puts me to my highest and best use. This approach can focus everyone on the most effective solutions. Please add me to your committees so I can understand exactly what is being asked of you and your students.
Add me to your advisory board so I can get you on my calendar.
Highlight From Our Region
More and more we’re seeing a variety of small, medium, and large manufacturers in our region shifting away from traditional robotic arms which can be cumbersome, difficult to learn, and sometimes, dangerous. Instead, they’re going with more approachable, safer, collaborative robots. I’m seeing this shift in every corner of my market.
From palletizing and welding, to machine tending and 3-D vision, collaborative robots are literally and figuratively de-risking automation.
Find out from your local industry if collaborative robots are on their shop floors.
Focused Solution
Festo Didactic has just released a new offering to teach motor controls, the TP 1221-P Basic Motor Control Technology (Portable Edition.) It comes in a rugged suitcase so it’s portable and has built-in safety features. This very popular line just got a whole lot more accessible for our communities and would be a great way to prepare your students to excel on the NOCTI.
If you have any of the following CIP codes for your programs and are interested in this new/ portable system, please reach out.
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician 15.0303
Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician 15.0403
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other 15.0399
Engineering Technologies/Technicians 15.9999
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers, Other 46.0399
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician 47.0201
Events
Are you ready to become an NC3 certified Mechatronics instructor? Starting November 5th, join other instructors in a virtual training (via Zoom) for a special Covid-19 price!
Then, starting January 20th, NC3 is offering Fundamentals of Electricity Training at the same low Covid-19 price. Contact me for more details let’s take advantage of these prices to get some more instructors certified.
PACTA’s 31st Annual Symposium
PACTA, the Pennsylvania Association of Career & Technical Administrators, is having its 31st annual symposium at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center February 10 - 11, 2022. I’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available.
Grants
There’s such a wide array of grants out there for the taking, I couldn’t possibly list them all. Some are small but perfect to update a current program, others can be large, and could lead to starting new programs. Whether the project is large or small, I’m happy to do what I need to do to help you achieve these grants.
The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation has micro-grants available year-round, up to $20,000. They help fund schools across the nation.
If you’re looking to expand your engineering program, or explore new STEM programs, there are awards available up to $850,00 (over three years) from the federal government in the Research on Emerging Technologies for Teaching and Learning program.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to me and feel free to share this resource with anyone you think may benefit.