Machinists
are in high demand. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests
that job opportunities for machinists are “excellent as employers continue to
value wide-ranging skills of these workers.” This data directly correlates to
what industry experts and educators are saying about machinists and need for
skilled technicians in factory floors across the nation. To meet the demand for
skilled machinists, many manufacturers are increasingly turning to educators to
train the next generation of machinists.
So
what are some of the skills set and educational credentials for a machinist? Ted
Norman, state supervisor
for manufacturing, transportation, distribution &
logistics, and engineering & technology education at the Florida Department
of Education says machinists need a strong foundation of knowledge in
mathematics, 3D modeling, metallurgy, and computer programming. To get a deeper
look into the issue, one has to look at the courses and curriculum framework
that forms the foundations in building these skills set. As in most cases, “any
good occupational technical curriculum should start with a well thought out
functional job analysis that matches industry needs” said Jerry Lancio. Both
Lancio and Norman were presenters at the one day machining workshop hosted by
FLATE.
During the workshop, participants were given an
overview of the curriculum frameworks for the machining
program in Florida, and
learned about new requirements/changes for the 2014-15 school year. “My aim is
to provide a good understanding of the frameworks” that will enable educators
to create a solid curriculum pathway for students who are graduating from high
school and going to college said Norman. Workshop participants also learned
about the DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process that starts with a functional
job analysis, crosses over to mapping learning outcomes of courses and course
sequence, and finally building a master curriculum outline. “I hope business
and industry can see how curriculum framework process works, and educators can
also see how curriculum can be built to meet industry needs” Norman said.
Indeed,
feedback from workshop participants was highly favorable. “I learned a lot, and
found some terrific resources at the workshop” said Dr. Jill Flansburg, program
coordinator for the Florida TRADE grant. Flansburg said she enjoyed hearing
experts talk about the continuum of education and training opportunities in the
state, learning about skills and knowledge that can be built upon to create a
career ladder in machining, and how educators and industry can work together to
make a statewide articulation plan. Dennis Battistella, director of workforce development for the South Florida Manufacturers Association said the workshop served as an opportunity for technical, high school and post-secondary educators to review requirements of the current technical/machining curriculum for high school and adult education programs. It also gave educators an opportunity to draft a proposal for new high school machining curriculum to be submitted to the Florida Department of Education for review.
In addition to curriculum frameworks, the workshop
focused on defining stackable academic credentials
aligned to national
standards and an overview of the NIMS certification which is a nationally
recognized, portable, NAM-endorsed certification which works and plays well
with other industry certifications in creating a logical path. “What I learned
at the workshop will help in my current job because it has given me a better
idea of how to align curriculum with credential requirements, and what resources
are available to me” said Flansburg.
No comments :
Post a Comment