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Assabet Valley

Regional Technical/Vocational School District
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Manufacturing & Engineering Cluster

Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced Manufacturing

Meet the Instructors

 
David Sommerville, LT
 
 
 
Marcus Fletcher
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Program & Course Information

All aspects of the shop prepare the graduate with skills and knowledge to enter the manufacturing workforce or pursue post-secondary education. Students will train on industry-standard computer software: MasterCam and SolidWorks.
  
      
Certificate
Options
2 Year
Option
4 Year
Option
Articulation Agreements MACWIC
Manufacturing Technology
  
OSHA 10-hour General Safety and Health training certificate
  
Certified SolidWorks Associate
Manufacturing Technology
  
Electromechanical Technology
 
Industrial Engineering Technology
  
Mechanical Engineering Technology
  
Mechanical Engineer
  
Electromechanical Engineer
  
Industrial Engineer
  
Matallurgy
  
Robotics Engineer
 
Industrial Design
  
Quinsigamond Community College (up to `2 credits)
  
Central Maine Community College (up to 4 credits)
  
Wentworth Institute of Technology (up to 6 credits)
 
Bristol Community College (6 credits)
 
Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaboration
  • MACWIC Level 1  
  • MACWIC Level 2 
  
  

Courses

Advanced Manufacturing - Exploratory Program
Advanced Manufacturing exploratory is geared towards exposing students to the many career opportunities and college options that are available from the skills that are gained in this program. The student is introduced to shop safety, manual machining, computer numerical controls for CNC manufacturing, computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) as well as mechanical / robotic systems and 3D rapid prototyping technologies. Students will have hands-on training using industry software such as MasterCam (www.mastercam.com) and SolidWorks (www.solidworks.com) and produce projects using industry standard equipment. 
  
Advanced Manufacturing - Grade 9
Grade 9 shop and related lab theory classes build solid fundamental practices essential to the duties of a machinist. Students continue to explore the career options in the manufacturing and engineering fields. Students learn industry based software and the use of basic hand tools, measuring tools and manual machine tools. Students begin with blueprint interpretation and design using SolidWorks software and shop projects. Students are trained on the five most commonly used machine tools: milling machines, lathes, saws, grinders and drilling machines. Instruction includes related lab theory, shop demonstrations, hands on practice, quizzes and tests to determine competency levels.
Shop safety, math, quality control and manufacturing processes are taught through related theory and shop projects. Students will manufacture hand tools that are commonly used in the trade, such as punches and a milling cutter holder. Students are also put to the task of engineering and manufacturing components to complete shop specific challenges and projects.  
   
Precision Machining - Grade 10
Grade 10 students will build upon the foundation of freshman year and expand their knowledge of machine set-up, operation and engineering design and manufacturing. Related theory will also include metallurgy, work holding, blue print reading, tool geometry, shop math, tap and drill calculations, work ethic and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) fundamentals. Students will learn team work and engineering practices though selected challenges to construct group projects. As a sophomore, students will design using SolidWorks software and will work from their own blueprints to manufacture the components necessary to complete these challenges. Students will be given the opportunity to compete in nationally recognized competitions, such as SkillsUSA.
Students produce projects that will expose them to different types of materials such as plastics, polycarbonates, stainless steels, tool steels, aluminum, etc. Projects will progress toward being produced in CNC machines where students will be introduced to CNC programming and MasterCam software fundamentals. Instruction includes related lab theory, shop demonstrations, hands on practice, quizzes and tests to determine competency levels.  
    
Precision Machining - Grade 11
Grade 11 will focus on developing CNC skills and expand their Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CADCAM) skills using MasterCam and SolidWorks software. Shop projects will also teach CNC operations & G-Code programming, CNC machine set-up procedures, inspection procedures, blueprint interpretation, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), advanced manual machining practices and set-ups for proficiency of job ready skills as a machinist. Modules on engineering of machine design, electro-mechanical and automated systems, will also be a component of related theory. Students are instructed and encouraged to collect and produce an electronic portfolio and research career and college options available upon graduation. Juniors will have the option to compete in SkillsUSA competitions.
   
Shop projects will provide hands-on practice and include engineering, designing, manufacturing and the assembly. Students will also build a steam engine and other projects to reinforce classroom theory lessons and acquire necessary trade skills. Instruction includes related lab theory, shop demonstrations, hands on practice, quizzes and tests to determine competency levels.
   
Precision Machining - Grade 12
Grade 12 shop and related lab theory work will emphasis proficient practices using MasterCam Milling, SolidWorks, CNC set-up & G-Code programming, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), inspection procedures, blueprint Interpretation as well as MasterCam Turning fundamentals. Senior project requirements will be reviewed and a study guide will be provided. Students are instructed and encouraged to collect and produce an electronic portfolio to submit with college applications or present during job interviews.
Shop projects will involve engineering, design, manufacturing and the assembly practices. Seniors will have the option to compete in SkillsUSA competitions. Senior’s have an option of an approved independent study as a major project that is based from their personal interest and the project meets the criteria for advanced skills achievement. Students will use CNC Machining practices, proper inspection techniques and advanced manual machining practices. Instruction will include related lab theory, shop demonstrations, hands on practice, quizzes and tests to determine skill and theory proficiency.

Resources, Files & Links for Students

Biotechnology 

Biotechnology 

Meet the Instructors

 
Kimberly Stencel, LT
 
 
 
Kendra Sparks
 
 

Program & Course Information

Students observe and learn about a variety of careers involved with biotechnology, from engineering to manufacturing to animal science. Examples of field trips taken to explore career opportunities in biotechnology include Shire Pharmaceuticals, Tufts Cummings Veterinary School, Worcester State University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Ariad Pharmaceuticals, and the Massachusetts State Crime Lab. 

Upperclassmen in biotechnology participate in student-driven projects that are presented in a shop-wide science fair. These projects may go on to compete at the Worcester Regional Science & Engineering Fair and the Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair. The Biotechnology Program also participates in the Wolbachia project, which examines the Wolbachia bacteria living within some local insects. 
  

Core Topics:

    • Laboratory Safety
    • Microscopy
    • Forensic Analysis Techniques
    • Protein Separation and Purification
    • Protein and Enzyme Assays
    • Protein & DNA Electrophoresis
    • Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays
    • Microbiology
    • Bacterial Transformation
    • Polymerase Chain Reaction
    • Plant Cell Culture
    • Fermentation & Good Manufacturing Practices
    • Steps to Drug Development
    • Solution/Media Prep
    • Data Analysis using Microsoft Excel
    • Aseptic Technique
    • Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Training
  
 

Certifications: 


Students in this program complete the Assistant Lab Animal Technician (ALAT) training. The requirements for the ALAT certification are a year of practical experience working in a lab animal care facility and passing an exam. The school offers training materials and completion of the workbooks, and then students, upon graduation, can pursue and finish this certification. Please see the AALAS link to the American Association of Lab Animal Science for more information on this career path. 
  
Additional certifications offered in this vocational program include the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification & CPR. 
 
 

After Assabet:

  
Career opportunities upon completion of the program include, but are not limited to:
  • Research Laboratory Assistant
  • Purification Technician
  • Fermentation Technician
  • Media Prep Technician
  • Manufacturing Assistant
  • Laboratory Animal Care Technician 
  
Upon completion of this technical program, students will be better prepared for post secondary education in the following courses of study:
  • Animal Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Biology (Prevet)
  • Biochemistry
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Forensic Science
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology
  

Resources, Files & Links for Students

Metal Fabrication and Welding

Metal Fabrication and Welding

Meet the Instructors

 
Chris Wittimier, LT
 
Staff Headshot
 
George Aziz
 
 
Ian Dunnigan
 
 

Program & Course Information

Core Topics:

    • Welder Performance Qualification Tests in the following:
      • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW / Stick)
      • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW / Mig)
      • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW / Tig / Heli-arc)
      • Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW)
      • Pipe welding in all positions (SMAW and GTAW)
    • Titanium welding (GTAW process)
    • Plasma arc cutting (computer-operated and hand-held)
    • Oxygen acetylene welding (Gas Welding)
    • Brazing
    • Soldering copper and steel
    • Sheet metal layout
    • Decorative copper work
    • Metal cutting
    • Punching and drilling holes in metal
    • Forming metal using power press brakes and rollers
    • Operating power hand tools
    • Operating stationary equipment to shape, form, and bend custom shapes in metal
    • Ornamental iron work / blacksmithing
    • Metal art using new technology
    • Tool making and heat treating
  

In the Field:

  
Field trips are an integral part of the curriculum in Metal Fabrication. Visits to apprenticeship programs, job sites, local businesses, and colleges show the students their futures in the field. Our students also have the opportunity to enter numerous regional/national welding and creative metal art competitions. This program has proudly produced many champions.
 
  

After Assabet:

 
Students who wish to continue their technical metal working education can attend two- or four-year colleges in metallurgy, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, and metal art areas of study.

Resources, Files & Links for Students

PAGE CONTACTs & Resources

PAGE CONTACTs & Resources

Gayle Ripley, Vocational Office Administrative Assistant
GRipley@assabet.org 
 

Highlights 
  

Highlights 
  

The Advanced Manufacturing Program is a finely tuned program that prepares students to work in the modern, high tech field of manufacturing. Students will learn and practice the basic fundamentals of manufacturing throughout their stay in the Advanced Manufacturing Program. They will be instructed in the utilization and care of bench tools, inspection instruments, metal cutting lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, and grinders.

Upon learning these basics, students shall be instructed in the more technologically modern aspect of computerized manufacturing. Included in this program are study segments involving the operation of modern, highly sophisticated computer numerical controlled (CNC) machinery.

Biotechnology is a growing field with a wide range of exciting and challenging employment opportunities. Biotechnology is the commercialization of biology. It is an evolving discipline in which biological organisms are used to improve the lives of people and animals.

The Biotechnology program is designed to prepare students for further education as well as for entry-level positions in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, research and development, laboratory animal care, environmental science, and forensic science. Students will engage in precise technical activities, maintain careful records, and work in teams in an orderly, clean environment.

The Metal Fabrication and Welding program is designed to prepare students to be skilled fabricators, welders, and sheet metal workers. Instruction includes a range of skill areas, including welder performance qualification tests, small business ownership, sheet metal duct work, creative blacksmithing, ornamental ironwork, and CNC plasma cutting. 

Since welding is the core of our program, students can expect to learn all facets of welding in structural steel construction, earth moving equipment repair, pipe-line welding, and orbital welding of stainless steel and titanium for biotech applications. In addition to developing a solid foundation in technical skills, the program emphasizes core values, including community service and good citizenship.