Sheet Metal Advisory Committee

Transcription

1 Sheet Metal Advisory Committee May, 15, 2008 MINUTES Attendees Los Angeles Sheet Metal Workers JATC Tim Jensen - Training Coordinator Sheet Metal Workers International Training Institute (ITI) James Page - ITI Field Representative Southland Industries Nick Dopudja - Construction Manager Los Angeles Air Balance Gabriel Alejandre Field Superintendant Long Beach City College Carolyn Sanford, Curriculum Technician Tim Shoemaker, Sheet Metal Instructor Wenda Kanemaru, Tech Center Instructor The meeting was called to order, everyone introduced themselves and the agenda was reviewed. It was announced that Mr. Phil Jeffrey, Van Nuys Sheet Metal, could not attend due to a scheduling conflict.

2 Enrollment and Job Placement General information was provided by Tim Shoemaker in regards to current enrollment in the program. The total enrollment for was approximately 135 students, up approximately 40 % over academic years. This enrollment number is probably the maximum the program can handle, unless more space is acquired or an additional part time instructor is hired. Enrollment was up because of (5) factors; scheduling of classes, recruitment, marketing, new equipment and the introduction of new projects. The program went from morning and afternoon classes to afternoon and night classes therefore, avoiding scheduling conflicts with other trade classes while opening up a night program. Tim actively recruited new students and contacted employers to help fill up classes. Flyers were printed and distributed to potential students. Tim Shoemaker and Robert Johnson attended trade fairs and visited high schools. Tim felt the purchasing of new equipment and removing old equipment opened up the shop and helped better utilize shop space. The new equipment and software helped modernize the curriculum and introduce new technologies to the students. The new software allowed the students to be more creative and produce quality metal projects which they could be proud of. The introduction of new equipment and current technology was a great help in retention. Job placement has not been as successful as he would have hoped. The program has placed one (1) student in the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship program, and hoping to place another four to five (4-5) students next year. Tim Shoemaker stated that the Sheet Metal Program did receive a small grant of $750 from the Long Beach City College Foundation. The funds were used to provide lunch and transportation to the Sheet Metal Workers Training Center. While there, the students visited the facility and interacted with the apprentices in training. He felt this interaction really helped in motivating some of the Sheet Metal students. The apprentices were very good at explaining the benefits and obligations of their apprenticeship. Many of the apprentices came from similar socio-economic backgrounds as the LBCC students and have had to deal with similar life struggles. The apprentices are all very positive about their experiences and this inspired the LBCC students. Tim stated he will continue to seek funding for this visit. We feel that this will have a positive influence on apprentice applications from the LBCC Sheet Metal Program. Sheet Metal Funding Tim stated that the Sheet Metal Program received approximately $10,000 in VETA funding for new software. The software program is from Striker Systems and is a CNC based program based on an AutoCAD format. The program is called FabCad and it will work with the 16 station turret punch. It will allow our students to design a part in the computer lab, input the program to the turret punch and see the part produced. Tim Shoemaker and Robert Johnson will receive 3 days training on the FabCad software during the last week of May, Tim hopes to implement the software into the Fall-2009 program.

3 Robert Johnson and Tim Shoemaker will also be receiving 4 days of training on a 55 ton Amada Press Brake during the 1st week of June, This training was a donation from Amada and will help improve our knowledge and skill in computerized press brake operations. Tim felt the addition of a modern press brake with a CNC controller is essential in training students for the needs of the sheet metal industry. Tim will be actively seeking input and funding in this regards. Sheet Metal Funding Tim Shoemaker explained that the Sheet Metal Program received VETA funding for the academic year starting July This funding will go for a new portable plasma cutter, MIG welder and soldering furnace. The program will also receive two additional work benches to allow for more workspace for the students. The drafting tables will be moved out of the Sheet Metal shop into a vacant class across the construction yard. This vacant class will be utilized for lectures. Tim will continue to seek new equipment and technology to keep up with changes in the Sheet Metal industry. One of our biggest needs at this time is an adequate ventilation system for the soldering, welding and plasma areas. Tim has forwarded his concerns to Facilities and Management and will continue to pursue an exhaust system that meets industry standards. Tech Center Wenda discussed the Supplemental Learning program and how it assists student deficiencies in basic math, reading, and life skills. Wenda also explained how the Tech Center has implemented an Expungement Program, in which enables students to succeed in their occupational pursuit. Current / Proposed Curriculum Tim Shoemaker introduced proposed curriculum changes to the Sheet Metal program. Tim and Carolyn have been working on developing new classes of the Fall 09 session. Carolyn distributed proposed drafts of two new curriculum guides to outline these changes. The first one was labeled Sheet Metal/Core Skills dealing with class requirements for a certificate based upon 19 units. The second guide was labeled Sheet Metal/Advance Skills, which would require 38 units. Tim discussed his rationale for moving from the large 10 unit block classes to smaller 3-5 unit classes. He felt that smaller units would better serve the students by focusing the curriculum on more specific topics as they relate to the Sheet Metal trade. Tim also felt the smaller classes would allow them to be integrated into a night program. He went on to explain the classes and the content to be covered. The input from Tim Jensen, James Page, Gabriel Alejandre and Nick Dopudja was positive in regards to the Sheet Metal/ Core Skills Curriculum. Tim Shoemaker went on to discuss the Sheet Metal/Advanced Curriculum. He explained that for the advance skills he would like to develop a curriculum covering Sheet Metal CNC Fabrication, Architectural Sheet Metal, Blueprint Reading, Duct System Layout and Design, Duct System Fabrication. He also recommended including as required classes, six (6)

4 additional units from Drafting 201, Speech 20, and Electrical Math 202. The committee agreed with including this requirement. James Page felt there was a need in the Sheet Metal Industry for workers trained in Architectural Sheet Metal, but after much discussion the group felt this subject could be introduced as a module in the proposed Advance Sheet Metal Layout and Fabrication class. The group also discussed combining the proposed Blueprint Reading with Duct System Layout and Design class as 2 unit lecture only class. Tim Shoemaker discussed the basic skills required for an entry sheet metal worker and it was agreed that welding, forklift training and a 30 hour OSHA Standards for Construction Safety should be part of the certificate program. It was agreed that combining some of the classes that the Sheet Metal/Advance Skills Certificate would contain between units. Carolyn Sanford stated that we have to submit these changes before September 08 for Curriculum Committee review processing. Tim Shoemaker introduced some of his ideas in marketing the Sheet Metal Program. He explained how Sheet Metal 220A- Basic Sheet Metal Layout and Fabrication could be broken into 2 smaller modules and offered to high school students in Long Beach School system. He proposed visiting the different high schools in the academic years and introducing this class to the students. The committee felt this was a great way to introduce high school students to the Sheet Metal trade. The group also discussed the need to reach a larger audience and to explain the needs and benefits of the Sheet Metal Construction Industry. Long Beach City College has the only Sheet Metal program in Southern California and it was felt that a Sheet Metal website explaining the curriculum would be a great way to market the program. Tim Shoemaker mentioned that he has had discussions with Farley Herzek, the Dean of Trades and Industry and that he would assist in funding a website. It was agreed that the website needs to be up and running by Spring 2009 to insure meeting enrollment when the new curriculum is introduced in the Fall Tim Shoemaker also explained how the curriculum for Sheet Metal Work Experience would work. Nick and Gabriel stated they would consider hiring interns as part of the Work Experience program. Portfolio James Page and Tim Jensen were very positive having the Sheet Metal students develop a portfolio showcasing their work. Tim Shoemaker stated that he was working on modifying the portfolio so that each project a student completed would include a work order/ worksheet along with a picture of the project. James Page felt this would give a sheet metal apprentice applicant an advantage in his/her oral interview with the Sheet Metal Workers Joint Apprenticeship Committee.

5 Articulation Articulation between the Sheet Metal Program at LBCC and the Los Angeles Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship was discussed. James Page was interested in how the apprentices could receive college credit for the training they received through Sheet Metal Workers JATC. Tim Shoemaker felt the easiest and best way was through credit by examination, but felt it was necessary to get the new curriculum in place. Tim also mentioned that the Sheet Metal apprentices could take many of their general education requirements for an A.S. degree online through the LBCC website. Tim Shoemaker also would like the Sheet Metal JATC to provide some credit to students who earn a LBCC Sheet Metal Certificate toward there apprenticeship training. It was felt that this should be revisited once the new curriculum was in place. Tim Shoemaker also made an appeal for donations of sheet metal and sheet metal components. Nick Dopudja asked Tim to forward a list and Southland Industries would see what they could do. A brief tour of the Sheet Metal shop was given and the meeting was adjourned. Meeting Adjourned