This content was published: February 5, 2007. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Machine Tech stays on the cutting edge
Photos and story by James Hill
The Machine Manufacturing Technology program at PCC is on the cutting edge. Recently, it became even more so as it tries to fill a workforce need within the industry it serves.
The program already features courses that are open entry-open exit and self-paced, allowing flexibility to fit the student’s schedule. They can register at any point in the term and attend classes at times most convenient for the student. The new attraction that has everybody in the program buzzing is a new component, developed last summer, that offers some of the program’s classes via distance learning so students can get their class work – reading, written exams and computer-based training – done in the convenience of their own home.
“Students don’t want to spend the time it takes to drive in and take the classes,” said Mike Flaman, an instructor in the program. “If the students can’t come to us, we bring it to the student. The returning students love the flexibility of the program’s offerings as they can set their own attendance schedule. Plus, when they finish, jobs are available.”
“The industry is crying for more students,” Flaman added. “There is a shortage of workers.”
Josef Bauer is filling that industry need. Bauer, 28, graduated from Georgia Tech in chemical engineering seven years ago. In the spring, he will graduate with an associate’s degree in Machine Manufacturing Technology from PCC. He worked in the environmental field on design and clean-up of federal mandated Superfund environmental sites. His work typically centered on cleaning up ground water systems at sites all over the United States.
“I got very bored with it because it wasn’t hands-on enough,” Bauer explained. “I was applying my engineering knowledge, but I was often sitting in front of a computer. It just wasn’t compelling enough.”
Bauer headed west from Atlanta to look for a new life and a new job. He relocated in Portland and started comparing community colleges. He was immediately drawn to PCC’s Machine Manufacturing Technology program. Bauer plans to become a production machinist with a local engineering firm.
“The more I looked at PCC’s program the more interested I got,” Bauer said. “I thought I could use my engineering background and apply it to a more hands-on field. What I like is that the program is an open-entry and open-exit format. Everything is at your pace and the models are set up in classes, and you can do everything on your own. If you have questions you can ask the instructor. It’s a very friendly atmosphere.”
The online option helps address an important need of current and potential students to minimize visits to the Sylvania Campus shop. Online students are also welcome to use the department’s resource room for completing their class work if they choose to not do it online.
The hands-on experience with the machinery takes place on campus. The shop remains open from 8:30am to 8:30pm Monday through Thursday and 8:30am to 5:00pm on Fridays, with instructors present to answer questions as students work on their class modules.
Plus, students have all of the most current, cutting edge technology in which to work with. There is a combination of manual machines (saws, lathes, mills grinders) as well as new ones such as the Haas computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »