icon representing advanced manufacturing and engineering Chris Gray program instructor for advanced manufacturing and engineering 

Christopher Gray

Phone Number: (802)885-8321

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 


 

General Program Description:

Just about everything you use on a daily basis was manufactured. If you’re the type of curious person who likes to know how things work, this program was tailor-made for you. The program will stimulate your thinking, prepare you for life after high school, and provide you with marketable skills.  The Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering program stimulates student thinking; prepares them for a lucrative job market; and provides students with valuable manufacturing and design skills. Topics of study include:

  • Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
  • Blueprint Reading and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, 
  • Precision Measurement, 
  • Technical Writing, 
  • Sketching and visual representation, 
  • Parametric Modeling and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), 
  • Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining, 
  • Precision (manual) Machining, 
  • Digital Electronics, 
  • Robotics and Automation, 
  • Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), 
  • Metrology and Inspection,
  • Waterjet Technology 
  • Fabrication and Assembly. 

Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Program students will receive entry-level training through hands-on challenges that mirror the processes utilized in all facets of manufacturing and engineering. Students produce functional parts through traditional and automated processes.  A very strong emphasis is placed on safety, quality, and working to international industry standards/expectations.


Program Highlights:

  • Earn up to 18 credits through the Running Start Program at River Valley Community College, Nashua Community College and NH Technical Institute-Concord
  • Three sanctioned Project Lead The Way Pre-Engineering Courses over two years
  • Access to more than 100 regional manufacturing and engineering companies through our Program Advisory for job shadows and internships
  • Access to more than 75 Program Alumni through our Alumni Network.
  • Full-day, Industry-based trainings like Lean 101 and Mastercam

 


 

Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Level I

Credit: 3 elective credits

Eligibility: Students in grades 10, 11 and 12

Prerequisites: Algebra I or concurrent enrollment

Scheduled Class Time: Full-year; 2 hours per day, 7:45 AM to 9:45 AM


Highlights:

The manufacturing portion of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Level I will introduce you to machine tools, measuring instruments, and machining operations, and how they relate to the production of consumer goods. We’ll study the industrial models of both “job shops” and “production plants” and their relationship between engineering, design, production control, and manufacturing. Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and robotics will also be covered.

In the engineering portion of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, I will focus on design communication through the learning of SolidWorks parametric modeling software.  It will also address many of the foundational elements and principles of engineering such as force, acceleration, mass, power, and trajectory.  

The first-year curriculum was designed to be preparing students for the nationally recognized NIMS credentialing exams in seven machining areas. It will also prepare students to take the Certified SolidWorks Associate certification exam.  In addition, we encourage students to build youth leadership skills by participating in our local and state chapters of SkillsUSA and competing in skill and leadership events at all levels.


Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Level II

Credit: 3 Elective Credit

Eligibility: Students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites: Grade of 70 or better in Manufacturing I or written permission from the instructor, and Algebra II or concurrent enrollment

Scheduled Class Time: Full-year; 2 hours per day, 11:40 AM to 1:40 PM


Engineering 6sHighlights:

The strong engineering focus of the first semester of AM&E 2 is placed on digital electronics and advanced solid modeling (SolidWorks).  Students will experience all aspects of digital electronics through hands-on breadboarding and simulation software.  Students will build a variety of digital projects and also learn to build and program microcontrollers like Arduino.  Advanced robotic programming and construction will also be highlighted in Level 2.  Engineering Design and Development is the senior capstone of the PLTW curriculum.  Students normally dedicate their entire fourth quarter to this independent, industry-driven capstone project and are evaluated by industry professionals upon its completion.

On the manufacturing side of the curriculum, students will become proficient in Mastercam computer aided manufacturing software as well as develop skills in setting up, operating, and programming 3, 4, and 5 axis CNC machines.  Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is also emphasized in this heavily lab-based curriculum.  Several NIMS credentials are available in both CNC Turning and CNC Milling.  The use and programming of the Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and its related software (Verisurf) is also taught in year 2.  Field trips, job shadows, and internships are also an integral part of the year 2 curriculum.   


Post Secondary Opportunities:

  • Associate of Science (A.E.) - Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Associate of Applied Science (A.E.) - Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) - General Engineering Technology
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Sustainable Product Design & Innovation
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Electromechanical Engineering 
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Electrical Engineering 
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Mechanical Engineering 

 

Career Opportunities:

  • Automation Technician
  • Architect/Civil Engineering 
  • CADD Operator/Drafter
  • CNC Operator 
  • CNC Programmer
  • Electrical Line Worker 
  • Machinist
  • Machine Set-Up Technician
  • Machine Operator
  • Machine Mechanic and Maintenance 
  • Materials Sourcing Agent
  • Mechatronics Technician 
  • Purchasing Agent
  • Production Controller
  • Production Planning 
  • Production Manager/Supervisor
  • Engineer - Mechanical
  • Engineer - Mechatronics 
  • Engineer - Electrical
  • Engineer - Manufacturing/Production
  • Prototype Designer
  • Fabricator 


Dual Enrollment / Early College Opportunities:

River Valley Community College - MTTN101R - CNC I

Course Description: G&M Code Programming is the study of the alpha-numeric language executed by Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines. The fundamentals studied in this course will include the format of CNC programs, common G-Codes, M-Codes, as well as materials and speeds & feeds. This course will also introduce applicable machine shop-related math.


River Valley Community College - MTTN106R - Machine Processes I

Course Description: Machining Processes I covers the machining theory which comprises both manual and CNC (computer-numerical controlled) machining practices. This course outlines the practical applications of safety, measurement and inspection, blueprint reading, metallurgy, and turning/milling technologies as they relate to both manual machining and CNC machining.

 

NHTI - MFET 241C - Computer Integrated Manufacturing

Course Description: A study of flexible industrial automation as it applies to the product-producing industry. Particular emphasis is on robotics, numerical control, and computer integrated manufacturing. The basic theory and application of these areas are studied. In the laboratory portion of the course, the student has the opportunity to set up, program, and operate all aspects of a computer-controlled manufacturing system.

 

NHTI - MCET 105C Engineering Design

Course Description:
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of engineering design and professional practice through the use of hands-on projects. Students will learn about the design cycle and the necessary steps to complete a successful project as a member of a team. Topics include problem identification, brainstorming, drawing and documentation, reverse engineering, testing and evaluation, and manufacturing. Cost, safety, and environmental issues are considered as well as ethical and professional responsibilities. Students will document designs using industry-standard 3D modeling software and will be required to communicate their designs through written, oral, and graphical presentations.

 

NCC - ELET 115C — Digital Electronics

Course Description: A beginning course in electricity, this course covers basic electric circuit theory, the nature of electricity, resistance, current, and voltage. Detailed coverage of topics includes direct current, alternating current, Ohm's law, series circuits, and parallel circuits as well as energy and power relationships. This course also covers DC circuit analysis techniques including mesh and nodal analysis, and network theorems such as Norton's, Thevenin's, and maximum power transfer. The transient response of capacitors and inductors is discussed when a DC voltage is applied using various circuit and analysis techniques. Additional topics include the discussion of alternating waveform characteristics and analysis of sinusoidal alternating waveforms. Laboratory experiments are designed to reinforce classroom work. (Corequisite: MATH 124C; or permission of the Department Chair of Electronic Engineering Technology. Strongly recommend having previously taken or to be concurrently taking ELET 115C.)

 


Engineering 5Embedded Academic Credit: 

Math, (Algebra II and Trigonometry, Statistics)

Physical Science - Applied Physics

English - Technical Writing

*One credit (total) after completing two years of the program


Vendor Curriculum: Project Lead the Way

    • Introduction to Engineering Design
    • Computer Integrated Manufacturing
    • Digital Electronics


Vendor Curriculum: Tooling U/SME - Online Manufacturing Training

  • Access to over 400 online advanced manufacturing, self-paced curriculum modules, and assessments


Vendor Curriculum: Immerse2Learn - Online CNC Training Curriculum (HAAS)

  • Licensed CNC Simulation software and curriculum that can be accessed from ANY web-based computer or tablet.


Vendor Curriculum: CamInstuctor

  • Mastercam 2023 Training 
  • CNC Mill Set-up and Programming
  • CNC Lathe Set-up and Programming
  • CNC 4th and 5th Axis Set-Up and Programming

 

Industry Recognized Credentials:

  • National Institute of Metalworking Skills (Up to 7 different IRC’s)
  • Certified Manufacturing Associate (SME)
  • Certified Manufacturing Technician (SME)
  • Robotics Fundamentals in Manufacturing (SME) 
  • Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
  • Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP)
  • Certified Mastercam User
  • HAAS Certification (Operator, Set-Up, and Programmer)

Vermont Career Technical Education (CTE) Program Critical Proficiencies

Advanced Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Mechatronics CTE Programs

Pre-Tech Foundational CTE Programs


Program Advisory Members and Organization:

  • Bob Flint - Springfield Regional Development Corporation

  • Carl Hurd - Cedarwood Technical Services LLC.

  • Warren Garfield - Lovejoy Precision Cutting Tools

  • Kristi Morris - Lovejoy Precision Cutting Tools

  • Dan Osborn - River Valley Community College


Student/Parent Quotes:


“I love this class because everything I learn is directly related to the career I want to pursue.  Mr. Gray has high expectations for his students but he always helps us achieve our goals”.  ~Bradon Wright 

“Mr. Gray is the only teacher I have that holds me accountable.  He’s willing to do what it takes to make sure we succeed."  ~Landon Palmisano

“This class goes by so fast.  There is always something to do, and we are always learning new things.”  ~Nathaniel Thomas

 


Pre-Tech Foundations/Intro Course Description - Springfield High Only

Introduction To Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering
½ elective credit (1 Semester)
1 elective credit (Full Year)


Instructor: Mr. Gray

Prerequisite:   Algebra One (full-year option ONLY)


Almost EVERYTHING we touch, use, and even eat daily is somehow connected to manufacturing.  Manufacturing is the foundation for all other industries.  Engineering is the application of scientific principles and practices to real-world problems to find solutions.  Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering provides the tools and technologies to make these solutions a reality.  You can’t have one without the other.  This introductory course will allow students to explore the many types of engineering and manufacturing in a “hands-on” way.  Students will design and build single-cylinder motors, robots, and drones using both software and hardware (tools).  They will also learn a variety of programming languages.   Students will explore the wide variety of lucrative career options in advanced manufacturing and engineering that exist right here in our region through multiple field trips and other industry visits.  This course follows the Project Lead the Way national engineering curriculum.  Freshmen can take this class for the full-year option and earn up to three (3) Early College in High School (dual enrollment) credits at New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI) in Concord, NH.  The full-year version is only recommended for students who completed Algebra One in 8th grade.

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