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From here, go to work in advanced manufacturing
If you look at the fronts of McDonalds or Starbucks or
even the student centers on Tidewater Community College’s campuses, you’ll see
Alpolic®, a composite material that adds color and dimension and, of
course, coverage to each building.
TCC graduate Dylan Starowicz is at work on the
lamination line for Alpolic®,
manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Composites America in Chesapeake.
At 19 years old, he is earning a competitive
full-time salary with benefits. Starowicz earned his Career
Studies Certificate in Mechatronics at the same time as his diploma from
Great Bridge High.
“It’s a good idea to give people different avenues
to go down, not just traditional college,” Starowicz said. “It’s important to
get students to think about technical careers and branch out to try different
things.”
Chesapeake Public School (CPS) dual-enrolled mechatronics students
started taking classes in their home high schools as sophomores and spent part
of their junior and senior years on TCC’s Chesapeake
Campus training in state-of-the-art labs.
“The old manufacturing jobs don’t exist anymore. Now it’s
all computer-controlled, and we are looking for people who can use their minds,
not their backs,” said Bill Yannetti, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Chemical.
“Students who’ve gone through the TCC program bring a definite skill set, and
they have value in our company right away.”
Thanks to partnerships with the City of Chesapeake Department of Economic Development and the advanced manufacturing sector, all of the CPS dual-enrolled students were awarded full scholarships by area firms. Donor companies include Mitsubishi Chemical, Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America, USUI USA, Yupo Corporation America, GeoQuip Manufacturing Inc., Air Systems, Inc., Manufacturing and Design Technology, Inc., Nitto Inc., and TowneBank.
Mechatronic students also earned industry credentials and
can apply all their credits to an Associate of
Applied Science in Mechatronics, which they can complete in just one year.
“Dylan is
a breath of fresh air,” said Tim Elixson, production manager at Mitsubishi
Chemical. “You actually can hear the education speaking for
itself. He asks a lot of forward-thinking questions.”
“This is what the program was created for and I wish
I had more candidates just like him.”
Starowicz monitors machinery, troubleshoots problems and ensures
quality control of products coming off the line.
“There was a little learning curve at the start, but I’ve
settled in,” he said. “I’m very fortunate to have this opportunity and see it
as a stepping stone for my career.
“I feel like I’ve come full circle. They helped me
out and now I’m working for them.”
Chesapeake Public School students career-ready thanks to partnership with TCC
What started with an idea and talks between leaders at Tidewater Community College and Chesapeake Public School six years ago will culminate on May 13 when 52 students from the city graduate with career and technical training credentials.
Thanks to a partnership between TCC and CPS, these high school graduates are prepared for in-demand careers in areas that range from mechatronics to pharmacy technology to welding.
They started taking classes in their home high schools as sophomores and spent part of their junior and senior years on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus training in state-of-the-art labs.
Classes have covered industrial robotics programming, digital systems, electric motor control, programmable logic control and instrumentation.
“Our industry leaders tell us that they are in need of skilled technicians, and our graduates are well prepared for the work ahead,” said Thomas Stout, dean of science, engineering, math and technology. “We’re proud of this first cohort, as they are paving the way for many students to follow.”
The graduates will ultimately work on advanced manufacturing systems, often referred to as “smart” devices, in the areas of machinery design, construction and repair.
Thanks to partnerships with the city’s Department of Economic Development and the advanced manufacturing sector, all of these students were awarded full scholarships by area firms. Donor companies include Mitsubishi Chemical Composites America, Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America, USUI USA, Yupo Corporation of America, GeoQuip Inc., Air Systems, Inc., Manufacturing and Design Technology, Inc., Nitto Inc. and Towne Bank.
Jemimah Barnes, a senior at Deep Creek High earning her mechatronics certificate, plans to study electrical engineering at Morgan State University. “I’ve enjoyed the program and feel well prepped for college,” she said. “I’ve gained technical skills and learned so much.”
Dylan Starowicz, a Great Bridge High senior, added, “It’s been great to get a head start on my associate degree, and now I’m sure I want to do this as a career.”
Mechatronic students also earned industry credentials and can apply all their credits to an Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics, which they can complete in just one year.
Working the circuit
Across the hall from the mechatronics lab, the second cohort of Electrical Wiring for Technicians students has worked to earn career studies certificates.
The class of 14 spent one academic year studying residential wiring and methods for industry. They also earned their Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA 10 cards, which certify them in industry safety standards. They are prepared for entry-level positions as electrician helpers.
“I’m amazed at how this class has turned out,” said Patrick Billups, a senior at Hickory High. “I learned the basics for less money, and the instructors have been really helpful.”
Instructor Bob Shanks, a master electrician who joined the college in the mid-’90s, added, “Students come in without any knowledge, and we can teach them from the ground up. I like it that way because we don’t have to undo any bad habits.”
Pharmacy technicians of tomorrow
The Pharmacy Technician program is another first for CPS and TCC dual enrollment programs with the initial cohort of eight students graduating with career studies certificates.
Students spent one academic year at the Chesapeake Career Center in a classroom fitted with a mock pharmacy that includes a counter, cash register and plenty of “products” to dispense.
They are prepared to order, stock, package, prepare and dispense medication under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. They can also sit for the national pharmacy tech exam to become certified pharmacy technicians.
“Now I have work I can do while in college, and I get a boost ahead since I already have this knowledge,” said J’La Edwards, a senior at Indian River High who plans to continue at TCC and attend pharmacy school at Hampton University.
Another hot career
With masks on and sparks flying, 15 students honed skills by earning welding certificates at the Chesapeake Career Center.
The two-year program covered oxyacetylene (gas) welding, arc welding and inert gas-shielded techniques.
Jason Walters, from Deep Creek High, plans a career in welding. “I love welding because I get to work with my hands. I enjoy the teamwork and learning new skills, too.”
Upon completion of the program, students can sit for certification exams through the American Welding Society.