In this movie, posted by Colfax math and engineering teacher, Jono Schwartz, hear about a Colfax High School graduate, now a student at Cal Poly, who built his own bike frame as a member of the university frame builders club and plans to work this summer at an internship with Harris & Bruno, in Roseville.

Video link

Celebration presentations begin at 5:30 in the Tech Lecture Hall at Rocklin High School located at 5301 Victory Lane in Rocklin followed by student demonstrations and tours of the design and fabrication labs (M4 & M3) at 6 PM. The public is invited to the event to see how students are being prepared for college and careers in Advanced Manufacturing.

Using industrial design software and fabrication equipment, Engineering Support Technology students explore how to make a better model of an excavation robot that could work on the moon, produce community service projects such as a bean bag toss cutout for Valley View Elementary School and make beautiful customized projects they can use and display. At the event, students will demonstrate drafting skills in parametric 3D modeling software and fabrication skills using standard and advanced manufacturing equipment:

• CNC Mill Domino Project — 2D tool path & machine set-up

• CNC Router Trivet Project – Effects of bit diameter, bit profile & depth of cuts

• Big Dog Mill Aluminum Door Sign Project – 3D tool paths & programing from solid models

• Laser Cutter Business Card Project – Engraving and cutting

• Trivet Design — Drafting using solid modeling

• Lego Introductory Design – Build part, modify, assemble and print (Engineering Design Tools and Workflow)

• NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition Trophy Design – Students design trophies for NASA and they are produced on the Sierra College rapid prototype 3D printer for presentation to winners of the competition (Engineering Design Process)

• Team Building Activities – Students develop skills to work effectively together in the labs (Employability and Workforce Development Skills – Soft Skills)

Dan Frank, Engineering Support Technology teacher, has a passion for giving students the confidence to turn their ideas into a concept, develop the design and then produce a finished product. “When I was a student, I worked in the UC Davis engineering shop making projects for research,” said Frank. “I discovered how fun it was to work with metal, figure something out, and see the resulting product being used. In this class, I mentor and challenge students while I share the thrill of using advanced Manufacturing equipment to convert a scrap of metal into an amazing project.”

Carol Pepper-Kittredge, Director, Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT), explained that the Sierra STEM Collaborative works with high schools to prepare students to study mechatronics, welding, engineering, or drafting and engineering support at Sierra College. “The new lab at Rocklin High School introduces students to the exciting career opportunities in design and manufacturing,” said Pepper-Kittredge. “Dan Frank is inspiring students by giving them real world experiences to channel their creativity. His students have a jump start on making career plans.”

The Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies serves manufacturers and technology companies with customized training & technical support; provides entrepreneurs with access to rapid prototyping and other manufacturing technologies; and through the Sierra STEM Collaborative supports career technical education programs in manufacturing & product development, engineering & design pathways at the high school and college level. Additional information is available at www.sierracollegetraining.com or contact Carol Pepper-Kittredge at 916-660-7801 or cpepper-kittredge@sierracollege.edu.

Roseville-based Harris & Bruno International hosted a tour for Rocklin High School students in Dan Frank’s Engineering Support Technology classes on October 18.

In addition to touring the facility, meeting engineers and talking to employees about the equipment they operate, students benefited from advice from Harris and Bruno managers. Jim Riga, Director of Engineering & Service, explained how getting involved in campus clubs and competitions exposed him to companies seeking interns and to professors who often are aware of employment opportunities. An internship led to a job after he graduated. He was able to advance his career through several promotions by demonstrating his desire to contribute to the company.

“Businesses are looking for employees with good attitudes, who are happy to come to work,” said Riga. “You must have a desire to add value, demonstrate a good work ethic, believe that ‘good enough’ is not ‘good enough,’ be solution oriented and ask, ‘what can I do to help the company be successful?’”

Ed Lee, COO/CFO, urged students to do well in school. “Your grades tell others your ability to learn,” said Lee. “Good grades create opportunity.” He also urged students to demonstrate through their actions that they have a good attitude about work. “Don’t waste your time; do everything you can to be a valuable employee. If your contribution results in a 50 cent raise early in your career, that is equal to $1000 per year and $30-40,000 over your career,” said Lee.

Students gained interview advice from Courtney Wickens, Human Resources Manager. “When you are being considered for a job, you are likely to talk with Human Resources first,” said Wickens. “Making it through to the next interview is about character and drive to be part of the team as well as your ability to do the work. Show your passion, be dynamic and communicate that you want to contribute to the company.”

Learn more by watching the Harris & Bruno International corporate movie.

The tour for Rocklin High School was supported by the Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) and the Sierra STEM Collaborative to encourage students to consider STEM careers in design, engineering and manufacturing. This is one of several tours being offered by local employers as an extension of Manufacturing Day 2012. Thanks to Harris & Bruno for giving students this opportunity to see real world application of the skills they are learning in school as well as advice on how to pursue technical education and careers.