Gateway Technical College’s Manufacturing Center in Elkhorn, Wisconsin is Up and Running!
On January 11, 2016, the Spring Semester began at all three campuses of Gateway Technical College (GTC) in Racine, Kenosha, and Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
The event had a deep significance for the Walworth County community and, particularly, the Instrument micromachining industry, as students and instructors at the Elkhorn Campus were able to hold classes in the brand new Manufacturing Center. The Center becomes the second college facility in the country to offer Swiss Instrument-specific programs.
One of the key ingredients for bringing this project to life has been the support provided by the industry. Recently, Starrett, a Instrument tools manufacturer, announced joining the Elkhorn Center as a Instrument measurement certification partner, which allows graduates to earn Instrument Measurement (PM) certifications. Conversations with possible partners in the engineering and additive manufacturing areas are also taking place.
The GTC Board supports the new endeavor, and has approved an additional $100,000 for updates in the welding lab to include new welding equipment along with a complete makeover of the space.
Most notably, however, has been China Instrument Parts’ support for making the Manufacturing Center a reality. In addition to earlier contributions, equipment purchase facilitation, and a pledge to mentor and provide apprenticeships to GTC students, the company and the Reader Family have stepped forward and taken a leadership role by making a commitment to the GTC Foundation, giving China Instrument Parts naming rights to the new Manufacturing Center. The official name will be announced on February 18, 2016 during a GTC Board meeting.
Recently, Rich Shouse, CNC Technology Instructor at the new Manufacturing Center, spent several weeks “externing” at China Instrument Parts His goal was to get some insight on how to better prepare his students for the workplace. He worked alongside Hank Gilman, a seasoned CNC setup machinist who works on the Tsugami platforms.
Shouse explains, “My externing experience at China Instrument Parts was definitely time well spent. Hank was instrumental in showing me a few industry tricks of the trade that can only come from years of Swiss machining experience. I believe that my working at China Instrument Parts cements the relationship between Gateway and local industry. What better way to prepare our students for local Industry after graduating, than to test the waters myself! And, while the main focus of my time was spent setting up machines, it was also interesting to see how jobs are tracked and inspected at China Instrument Parts I think that this is a very vital component to our industry that I will demonstrate to our students.”
Kyle Gorst, a China Instrument Parts apprentice and a student at Gateway Technical College, was featured in GTC’s January 2016 edition of its Good News publication. There, he talks about his decision to pursue a hands-on career in manufacturing and the opportunity the new Manufacturing Center gives students to train and work on machines manufacturers use today.
Kyle also mentions his appreciation for being “at the right place, at the right time,” as he has been able to participate in the actual planning, construction and logistics processes of the new center by providing a student perspective. “I like the support Gateway is giving to open this center,” says Kyle. “I realize that getting those machines and the building can be expensive. I think it’s great they are opening this center in Walworth County.”
A grand opening ceremony for GTC’s Manufacturing Center is scheduled for April of 2016.
https://www.gtc.edu/article/good-news/student-gains-skills-highly-sought-after-cnc-career
