Sierra School Works » Mechatronics

Girls explore Non-traditional careers at Sierra College

Karen Fraser-Middleton — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 23:53:39 +0000

On Oct. 17, 2014 nearly 100 girls visited Sierra College, were inspired by entrepreneurial women in tech fields, made hands-on projects in labs and met for round table discussions with mentors from local companies.

Girls Explore Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) at Sierra College

Karen Fraser-Middleton — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:58:25 +0000

On Friday, April 19, at the NEW Event, high school girls, in groups of less than 10, will meet Sierra College faculty, create a project and learn about careers that are nontraditional for women such as welding, mechatronics, automotive and drafting.

This intimate NEW event will give girls a welcoming introduction to a technical education path at Sierra College. They will see labs, use tools, build projects, meet female college students and learn about careers. The event is designed to connect with girls and inspire their career plans.

At the Sierra College Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) Event expect:

Girls doing hands-on projects using power and hand-tools in college labs.
Students using diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot basic mechanical issues on a car.
Women designing with 3D software and seeing 3D printing or additive manufacturing.
Females learning basic fabrication skills to make their own metal flower vase.
Girls interacting with faculty and college students at six different labs on campus.

Businesses seek more employees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Women are underrepresented in these fields. Attracting female students to technical careers will help supply workers needed to maintain a global competitiveness and provide living wage employment to women.

Sac Bee: Mechatronics students find STEM jobs

Karen Fraser-Middleton — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:53:18 +0000

In the February 12, Sacramento Bee article, Mechanical teacher has many busy grads, Cathie Anderson reports that Sierra College students in the Mechatronics program are finding excellent career opportunities in a variety of STEM businesses. She writes:

“Sierra’s program is one of only about 10 in the nation, Halbern says, and it stands virtually alone when it comes to placing students in such a range of industries.

They can work on machines that build wafers, on the equipment that puts a ring just within an acrobat’s grasp, on locomotive controls, ski lifts, automobiles, traffic lights, ATMs, escalators, elevators, self-checkout kiosks, gas pumps….” Read more of the article at the Sac Bee: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/02/12/5183023/cathie-anderson-mechanical-teacher.html#storylink=cpy

Students can learn more about opportunities in Mechatronics by watching this movie – Sierra College Mechatronics: STUDENTS Learn Real Skills for Real Jobs or going to www.realskillsrealjobs.com.

Through the Sierra STEM Collaborative, the Sierra College Mechatronics faculty have been very helpful to local high school programs that prepare students for STEM education and careers.

Placer High School students learn Mechatronics skills

Karen Fraser-Middleton — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:58:51 +0000

Placer High School Mechatronics program students in Auburn built robots using the motors supplied by the Sierra STEM Collaborative. The Mechatronics teacher, James Anderson, said that as a result of this project, he “saw several kids really getting excited.”

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Robotics engineer designs space rovers

Karen Fraser-Middleton — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:49:29 +0000

Dr. Ayanna Howard said that one Christmas she received a doll and a kit to make a radio. She learned how to solder as a result of making the radio and became interested in robotics. She first thought she’d like to design robotic arms and legs but after discovering that she’d need to go to medical school, she looked for a new career avenue. In this movie, filmed by a high school student in Los Angeles, hear what she does on the job and see the robotic models used to test vehicles and guidance programming for exploring other planets. This movie is one of many exploring careers on gigniks and was found through the California Career Center link to Student created videos.

And if you’d like to learn more about robotics, check out the Sierra College Mechatronics program and see the movie to learn what students say about Mechatronics.

Mechatronics featured in Grow California newsletter

Karen Fraser-Middleton — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:03:43 +0000

The Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) worked with Telefunken in Roseville CA to deliver Mechatronics training to employees. ”Program Prepares Employees for Career Advancement” was included in the Grow California EWD Business & Industry News Fall 2011. Check out the web site RealSkillsRealJobs.com to learn more about Mechatronics at Sierra College.