Page 40 - MetalForming June 2009

Excellence in Training and Education...continued
The Minster Machine Company; Pridgeon & Clay
An APO Certification Development Advisory Team was established, which met with a consultant to brainstorm ideas for program development and identify core competencies for press operators. Pridgeon & Clay also pur- chased metal-stamping curricula to aid the company’s Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Using the core competencies, 20 subjects were developed by the SMEs. The team then reviewed each class and provided feedback on content and validity to the SMEs.
Groups of five to seven operators are selected to go through the entire APO program together, with training required for press operators, techni- cians and team leaders in press areas. Each group attends one weekly class with a test in the classroom and a shopfloor application. Classes are offered during employees’ shifts, with classroom and shop-floor training occurring on the clock. With the imple- mentation of this certification process, 100 percent of APOs have completed
course requirements.
The A.R. Hedberg Training and Education Award recognizes an out- standing achievement by a PMA mem- ber company in employee technical edu- cation through a comprehensive training program. The award is spon- sored by HPL Stampings, Inc., Lake Zurich, IL, in memory of A.R. (Ray) Hedberg, a leader in employee training. The Minster Machine Company and Pridgeon & Clay will each receive a $750 cash prize.
the metalforming industry is thriving due to a strong advisory committee comprised of local businesses that offer students internships, co-op and employ- ment opportunities. The Career-Tech- nical Center has an 80 percent place- ment rate for students enrolled in the CAM program.
The Clips & Clamps Industries Edu- cational Institution Award recognizes a public or private educational institution that provides outstanding training and education services to companies in the metalforming industry. The award is sponsored by Clips & Clamps Industries, Plymouth, MI, and funded by the Dul Foundation, which supports educational institutions that provide training to devel- op skills for workers in the metalforming industry. William D. Ford Career-Tech- nical Center will receive a $1500 cash prize. MF
Excellence as an Educational Institution
William D. Ford Career-Technical Center
William D. Ford Career-Technical Center, part of Wayne-Westland Community Schools in Westland, MI, received the 2009 Clips & Clamps Industries Educational Institution Award, recognizing its machine-tool- operation/machine-shop class. As part of the engineering, manufacturing industrial technology career pathway, the class offers a comprehensive, high- tech approach to machining and man- ufacturing.
Students learn basic machining, computer-aided machining (CAM) and computer numerical control (CNC) in an applications-based environment. Michigan standards adopted from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills are taught in the course with emphasis also placed on running indus- trial-sized machining centers and pro-
ducing parts and components. The course encourages design and production of prototypes for students’ own inven- tions. These skills, practiced daily, help students market themselves for employ- ability in the metalforming industry.
William D. Ford Career-Technical Center students showcased their tal- ents during the Innovative Vehicle Design competition at the SAE Con- vergence 2008 Transportation Elec- tronics Conference in Detroit. The stu- dents designed and fabricated the HydroVolt, a fuel cell/plug-in hybrid vehicle, which featured steer-by-wire, a data-acquisition system, computerized driver-information system and a 200-W fuel cell that recharged the batteries to power the electric motor. It also fea- tured custom T-bucket styling, bringing retro design together with advanced
engineering.
The HydroVolt team
won first place awards in Innovation, Engi- neering and Fabrica- tion, as well as in the category of Profession- al’s Pick, where engi- neers and executives who attended the con- ference interviewed the students, reviewed the vehicles and voted for their favorite.
The relationship between the school and
Are You a Winner
in 2010?
Stake your claim by submitting an entry for PMA’s Awards of Excellence in Metalforming. It’s your chance to recognize employees, have your com- pany recognized within your industry, and let your customers—and potential customers—know what you bring to the table. Visit www.pma.org/awards to see details about each award, or contact Christie Carmigiano at 216/901-8800 or ccarmigiano@ pma.org for more information.
38 METALFORMING / JUNE 2009
www.metalformingmagazine.com