Engineering Career Academy

Manufacturing Career Academy


Engineering Career Academy
Are you a visual person?
Do you enjoy working with computers?
Do you find solving a problem a fun challenge?
If you answered yes, then a career in engineering may be for you!

Engineering appeals to individuals who enjoy the challenge of learning how things work and enjoy using this knowledge to improve the world in which they live! If you are a creative thinker who enjoys hands-on design activities and building things, a career in engineering could be for you. There are many engineering fields. Because of this, a survey course, Introduction to Engineering, is often helpful to acquaint students with opportunities in this diverse field of study.

Engineering degrees are among the most highly paid of Bachelor's degrees and span a very large number of fields. The most common engineering fields include Civil Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Chemical Engineering. Other fields include but are not limited to, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering and Industrial Engineering. Engineers commonly transition to management positions in business and industry, start their own companies, or use their engineering degree to facilitate movement into other professional fields such as patent law and medicine.

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Industrial Engineers design systems for producing goods. Industrial engineers are concerned about the management of people and equipment. They attempt to design ways of creating goods that use these resources without much waste. For example, engineers try to set up assembly lines so that workers can rest briefly between items. If items move too quickly, workers may work too hard. If items move too slowly, workers may become bored rapidly. Similarly, engineers try to set up production so that machines are almost always in use.

Before they can design systems, industrial engineers must learn about the items being produced. They review the steps that products go through as they are being processed. Engineers learn about each task that workers perform and the machines they use. At existing factories, they also evaluate the current setup of equipment. Once they understand the process, engineers determine the best way to set it up. They use many tools and techniques to do this, including computers, drafting tools, and statistical software. Then, they write reports and create diagrams that show their setup recommendations. They may recommend changing the order in which materials are processed or how many steps different workers complete. They may also design new equipment. Many industrial engineers do mathematical calculations about how their changes will improve production.

Average Salary $31.10 Per Hour

Environmental Engineers create solutions to environmental problems affecting the welfare of humans and nature. Petroleum products include gasoline and oils. Environmental engineers find contaminants in soil, air, and water. There may have been a reported leak of a substance. They may evaluate property conditions for a company looking to purchase property. Their first step is to conduct a visit to the property to investigate. They obtain samples of soil and water for testing. Once they have collected information, they write a report that summarizes their findings.

When contamination is found, environmental engineers help their clients find the best ways to solve the problem. Environmental engineers coordinate the work done on environmental projects. Another part of their job is to make sure work is completed safely. They create health and safety plans for each project. The plan outlines procedures in the event of an emergency. It may also require workers to test the air at the site to make sure harmful vapors are not present.

Environmental engineers often design new equipment to clean up a site. They create systems or develop techniques to clean air, soil, or water.

Average Salary $35.87 Per Hour

Mechanical Engineers oversee the design, construction, and testing of mechanical products and systems. Mechanical engineers design mechanical products and systems. Some mechanical engineers design heat, water, or gas systems for factories. Others design and test robotic products. Products and systems vary by industry. Mechanical engineers develop designs based on how products or systems will be used. They talk to customers to learn more about their needs. Engineers draw their designs using drafting tools and computer-assisted design (CAD) software. They also study blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings. They work with clients and other designers to fine-tune designs.

Mechanical engineers test the mechanical products and systems they design. They adjust the design and construction so the products function properly. They may also oversee the construction and assembly of these products and systems. They may research all costs and get bids from different companies for materials and production. In addition, engineers continue to fine-tune the products and systems as they are being built to improve their function. They develop a maintenance schedule for products and systems. If there are problems with the products or systems, mechanical engineers evaluate the problem. They tell mechanics which repairs to make and test the fixed system.

Average Salary $33.35 Per Hour

Electrical and Electronics Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain electrical and electronic equipment. Electrical and electronics engineers provide an important service. They design, develop, and test the technological systems and equipment that people use everyday. These products and systems include everything from power generators to communication devices to lighting and wiring systems. Electrical and electronics engineers usually specialize in one area.

They design systems and equipment, perform calculations and make technical drawings of the systems and equipment. For complex lighting or electrical systems, they may map out how the system will be installed into the building. They almost always use computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering software during this phase. They oversee the construction of systems and equipment. This entails many phases. For example, they must oversee the manufacture of components. Then, they must make sure the components are installed correctly. During construction, they identify problems and solve them. When the systems and equipment have been built, electrical and electronics engineers test and maintain them. They look for ways to improve system performance.

Average Salary $38.93 Per Hour

Civil Engineers plan and design roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and water systems. They may also supervise the construction.Civil engineers plan and design transportation or water systems or structures. Before starting the design, they conduct research and analyze a large amount of data. For example, they test the soil from project sites to ensure it can hold the structure. They test proposed materials for strength. They also survey or order surveys of project sites. In addition, civil engineers study traffic patterns or environmental conditions to identify possible problems. They analyze reports, maps, and blueprints. They compute water flow rates or load and grade requirements. They also estimate costs of materials, equipment, and labor to determine if the project is possible.

Much of their work is done on computers. For example, engineers produce and analyze designs on computers. They also use computers to test how a finished system will operate. Engineers spend a great deal of time writing reports, which they do on computers. For example, they write bid proposals and environmental impact statements.

Civil engineers sometimes specialize in one area. There are several major specialties within civil engineering. They include structural, water resources, and transportation. Many civil engineers supervise other engineers or manage departments.

Average Salary $34.07 Per Hour

Materials Engineers find ways to make materials that are useful. Materials engineers work with metals, ceramics, plastics, semiconductors, and combinations of materials to create new materials. They also test existing materials to find new ways to use them. They may also design processing plants and related equipment.

Some materials engineers help develop or refine products. Products may be anything from computer chips to snow skis. Materials engineers meet with the engineers who designed the products they are working on. They find out special requirements of the products, such as strength or flexibility. This information helps them determine which materials to use. Once they have enough information, engineers plan and carry out laboratory tests to find out which materials meet product standards. They may also create new materials to meet product needs. For example, they may try to make a plastic that can withstand high temperatures, but still keep its shape. In the laboratory, engineers manipulate the structure of the molecules in substances to get new substances. They review and interpret the results from their tests. They try to find the cause of failures and use that information to modify their tests. Materials engineers use computers in their work. They use them to collect and analyze data, create graphs, and write reports. They may perform managerial duties, such as preparing proposals and supervising technical staff.

Average Salary $ 36.36 Per Hour

Manufacturing Career Academy
Do take pride in a job well done?
Are you interested in creating things?
Does working with machinery and tools interest you?
Then a career in manufacturing may be for you!

The manufacturing academy is collaboration between education and industry in advancing a world-class comprehensive, relevant, and integrated manufacturing and applied engineering education program. This industry-supported academy will provide an integrated system for students which will lead to advanced degrees. It will also provide a pipeline of educated and highly skilled employees for manufacturing, engineering and technology-based companies.

Curriculum can be a combination of traditional classroom and on-line courses. Manufacturing software will be used to teach parametric modeling and CNC Programming. A core of three classes developed by the drafting, machine trades and robotics programs would be a requirement for each student. Theses classes can be completed at participating high schools and/or at Central Lakes College. The core classes are a requirement of the drafting, machine trades and robotics programs.

Students would take the core curriculum and then take the additional required courses for either a Mechanical Drafting & Design, Machine Tool Technology, or Robotics Program diploma or degree. Transfer, career, and employment opportunities are abundant.

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Welder Video

Metal and Plastic Processing workers set up and operate machines that produce products. Metal and plastic processing workers can be grouped into two main categories.

Set-up workers prepare machines and set and adjust the controls. Set-up operators usually have more responsibility for setting up and planning work. However, all of these workers have many duties in common. Set-up operators start by reading work orders, blueprints, or other directions. Next, they select and install blades, tools, or other attachments. They also adjust the attachments to ensure proper operation.

Operators and tenders load and monitor the machines as they operate. operators load the material to be processed into the machine. They may use hoists to load large, heavy pieces of metal. They load plastic material in its powder, pellet, or syrup form. Next, operators position or secure the work pieces. They also adjust fixtures that guide objects as they move through the machines.

Average Salary $14.38 Per Hour

Tool and Die Makers produce tools, dies, and special devices that enable machines to make products. Tool and die makers are among the most highly skilled production workers. They produce devices that equip machines to make the products we use daily from clothing and furniture to heavy equipment and parts for cars.

Toolmakers craft precision tools that are used to cut, form, and shape metal and other materials. They produce jigs and fixtures, devices that hold metal while it is stamped or drilled. They also make gauges and other measuring devices. Die makers construct metal forms (dies) that are used to shape metal in stamping and forging operations. They also make metal molds that are used to cast dies or mold plastics, ceramics, and other materials. In addition, tool and die makers design new tools and dies. They also repair worn or damaged tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges.

Average Salary $23.10 Per Hour

Welders use heat to permanently join pieces of metal. Welders plan work from drawings or detailed work orders. In some cases, they use their knowledge of welding and metals to decide how to repair or join metal parts. Once they have information about the job, welders select and set up the equipment. Welders use arc, gas, and flame torches, as well as other types of welding equipment. Welders also repair broken or cracked metal parts. They sometimes fill holes and seams in metal products. When a job is done, they chip or grind off excess weld or solder, using hand or power tools.

Average Salary $16.77 Per Hour

Machinists use machine tools to produce precision metal parts. Machinists operate machine tools such as lathes, drill presses, and milling machines. They use their knowledge of metal and tools to make products that are precise sizes and shapes. For example, they make parts for industrial machines, aircraft, cars, or other products. Some machinists make large quantities of one part, especially very precise parts. Others produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items.

Average Salary $19.84 Per Hour

Quality Control Inspectors examine products to make sure they meet standards. Quality control inspectors monitor quality standards for products. They make sure companies follow product manufacturing rules. Inspectors work at all stages of production. Some inspect the materials that go into products. Others check products when they are partially complete. Another group of inspectors tests completed products.

Quality control inspectors read blueprints or work orders to learn about products. They analyze the information to learn how to measure or test products. Next, they collect product samples for testing. Inspectors take measurements, look for visible defects, or perform tests. They may use testing equipment such as thermometers, voltmeters, or moisture meters. Some inspectors use their senses while testing products. For example, fabric testers use touch to determine the grade of fabrics. After measuring samples, inspectors compare their findings against government or company standards.

There are many types of quality control inspectors. Their titles reflect what they inspect. Mechanical inspectors check to see if parts move correctly or are greased properly. Electrical and electronics inspectors test the flow of electricity. Others may inspect precision devices or materials that make up other products.

Average Salary $15.40 Per Hour

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