Pittsburgh Technical College’s ‘Candy Factory’ Showcases In-demand MET-CAD and Robotics Skills
As need for robotics technicians grows, PTC aligns training with regional workforce needs
(OAKDALE, Pa., April 1, 2024) – Today Pittsburgh Technical College (PTC) hosted students, faculty, and staff for its “Candy Factory” event, showcasing vending machine creations designed and built by students in the College’s Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) and Robotics and Autonomous Engineering Technology programs.
As part of their Intro to Mechanical Design course, second-quarter students combined prototyping, programming (to design the machines), Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, and 3-D printing skills (bringing their designs to life) to build themed vending machines.
Attendees asked questions about each team’s project as students explained the design and functionality of their machines. As students tested the precision of their designs and came across challenges (such as a part not working), they quickly pivoted, demonstrating their problem-solving skills. For example, a group of students learned to troubleshoot and navigate restrictions such as size limits of what 3-D printers can produce, and another team troubleshooted to create a new part on a 3-D printer in 30 minutes to improve their machine’s functionality.
Examples of vending machines on display included:
- A motion-activated device that uses a sensor and a servomotor to dispense popcorn-flavored jelly beans
- A candy dispenser with a manual crank that rotates a 3-D-printed bevel gear to drop the candy
- A castle-themed machine that catapulted Starburst candy using fishing line, a servomotor, weighted pieces, and 3-D printed parts
Workforce Pipeline Training in Action
PTC’s programs teach students in-demand MET-CAD and robotics skills using PTC’s state-of-the-art lab equipment, including the fastest 3-D printer on the market.
Mechanical Design Instructor Kasandra Otey and Robotics Program Coordinator Jay Glaus organized today’s candy-themed event, which took place in one of PTC’s labs.
“I’m extremely proud of my students,” said Otey. “This is their first big project and they have learned so much, persevering through their struggles to find solutions and creating intricate machines based on their new skills.”
Glaus, who leads the robotics program, explained that students with these PTC degrees will be prepared to work as service technicians and drafters, and work in prototyping, manufacturing, or in other design- and robotics-based roles.
“Across the board there are significant labor shortages,” explained Glaus, “which is why we created this unique program. Many industries are seeking interns and employees to fill positions in the Western Pennsylvania area and beyond.” PTC’s Career Services team gets calls daily from regional employers looking for drafters and other roles who can jump right into the workforce.
According to the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, entry-level salaries often start at $60K. The organization notes that 4.6 million jobs will need to be filled in U.S. manufacturing over the next decade, which translates to significant opportunities for those with robotics skills.
Educating and Training the Next Generation of Skilled Robotics Workers – the Need for CAD Professionals and Robotics Technicians
CAD professionals and robotics technicians are indispensable in many industries, including aerospace, energy, manufacturing, transportation, medicine, architecture, and more, making PTC’s workforce training even more desired. Pennsylvania has roughly three times the average demand for robotics technicians as other similar metropolitan areas, according to labor market analytics firm Lightcast.
PTC’s innovative program combines electronics in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrician, information systems technology, and more. Students have an opportunity to work on motor controls, build robots, use mechanical fabrication equipment, and handle electronics in robotics; they also learn CAD software and basic coding.
Visit PTC’s website to learn more about its programs.
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About Pittsburgh Technical College
Pittsburgh Technical College is a private, two-year college that is critical to the regional workforce. It has a 96% field placement rate and 80% of its graduates remain within the Western Pennsylvania region. Learn more about Pittsburgh Technical College at www.ptcollege.edu.
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