A newly renovated lab coupled with updated curriculum is giving students in the Mechanical Technology degree program a greater opportunity for professional success. "This state-of-the-art room has changed the way this class is perceived. It feels high tech, students have good access to information, and lots of technology in this room to work with. They feel professional," said Mechanical Technology Professor Michael Grieb, P.E. who is also Chair of Onondaga Community College's Applied Technology Department.
The lab is on the first floor of the Whitney Applied Technology Center and it's where students learn Computer Aided Design which is more commonly referred to as CAD. The redesigned space is filled with the latest in technology, giving students experiences with what they will find in the workplace.
There has also been a significant change in what is taught in Professor Grieb's MET-270 class which is titled "Solid Modeling." Students used to learn a little bit about three different types of 3-D design softwares without becoming proficient in any. This semester students' learning is focused solely on a 3-D design software named Solidworks because industry partners like SRC, Inc. use it exclusively. "We had been looking at a way to add industry recognized certifications to our courses and programs. Solidworks offered this to us free of charge."
Also free of charge was the opportunity for students to take the $100 certification exam for free. "It's a hard test. It's three hours long," said Professor Grieb. "They show you pictures of a part and you have to create it and give feedback that proves you did it correctly."
OCC students Dylan Langdon (from Weedsport High School) and David Schmidt (from Chittenango High School) were the first two to pass it and earn their Solidworks certification. "I think this is a pretty big deal, especially since this is our first year with Solidworks," said Schmidt. "It's a great accomplishment," added Langdon. "We can put this on our resume and it will help us get jobs."
"To have two students pass this right away is pretty exciting," said Professor Grieb. "Other students will be taking the test soon. This is so much better for students. It has a goal at the end and they actually know a software when they are done."
