rWorkers today are called on to be subject matter experts in what they do. Gone are the days when someone can clock in and do a repetitive skill for hours. Today's workforce demands more: the same worker must now know how to assess, troubleshoot, fix, and communicate in a much more global sense. Work is less silo-ed, more interconnected with other teams. Added requirements are making it difficult for employees to stay ahead of demands, creating a skills gap. 

How do you train employees for these enhanced skill requirements? Many are turning to Registered Apprenticeships to fill the void. 

According to Why Apprenticeships are Taking Off, registered apprenticeships, not to be confused with less formal or company-specific apprentice programs, have five defining features:

• Employers pay participants during their training.
• Programs meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or state apprenticeship agencies.
• Programs provide both on-the-job learning and job-related classroom or technical instruction.
• On-the-job learning is conducted under the direction of a mentor.
• The training results in an industry-recognized credential that certifies occupational proficiency.

Apprenticeships allow employers to hire and train workers with the necessary skills, while students can avoid an unnecessary financial burden of student loans. According to the Department of Labor, 87 percent of apprentices are employed after completing apprenticeship programs, with an average starting salary above $50,000.

Registered Apprenticeship programs make a lot of sense in both urban and rural settings, and are easier to implement and facilitate than you may realize. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor offers several registered Apprenticeship programs, backed by curriculum from leaders in education, like Amatrol. 

Looking to learn more, or get started today? Contact Moss for learning opportunities. 

Moss is proud to offer equipment and curriculum from Amatrol’s Advanced Manufacturing program. Amatrol’s industry leading equipment and curriculum is developed in partnership with industry to deliver job ready, industry relevant skills. Working closely with companies like Caterpillar, Tropicana and many others Amatrol has designed equipment for work place success.
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Key Features

• Highly Demanded Industry Skills: Hands-On, Job-Ready
• Individualized Self-Paced or Group Learning Flexibility
• Extensive Curriculum Spanning Basics Through Advanced
• Authentic Industrial Troubleshooting
• Durable, Industrial Equipment Designed for Effective Teaching
• Superior Multimedia Interactivity Connects With Learners
• eAssessment to Accelerate Learning, Improve Effectiveness
• Learning Anywhere, Anytime – 24 x 7
• Outstanding Support
• Computer Based Training (CBT) with Amatrol’s eAssessment (available via the web)

​Want to ensure you are covering your bases and addressing the skills training most needed in your region? Check out the skills chart, which aligns coursework to job-ready skills:​

(Click image to zoom)

Learn more about available programs - contact Moss today for program details. 

How well do you know the Engineering Design Process (EDP)? How well do your students know it? If you answered “not at all” to either of those questions, think again.

You likely follow some of the steps in your everyday activities. The focus of the EDP is problem solving. I’m sure you’ve problem solved already today. Deciding what to wear, which errands to complete, and where to eat are examples of everyday situations where you subconsciously use the EDP. Let’s review the steps to see if you agree.

1. The first step in the process is Ask. For example, you can ask, “Where am I going to eat today?”
2. After you know what the problem is, you then need to brainstorm solutions. This is the Imagine step. For our example, you consider restaurants in the vicinity or what food you have at home.
3. Next, you come up with a Plan. Your plan might be to go home and make lunch, or maybe you are going to the fast food joint a few blocks away.
4. The following step is to Create your solution. If you go home for lunch, you are most likely making it. However, if you choose fast food, someone else is making it for you. Either way, you carry out your plan.
5. The final step is Improve. If you make your own lunch, this step is fairly easy to understand. Did you like what you made? Is there something you would do differently next time? How can you make it better? If you go to the fast food joint, this step is still applicable. Did you take the best route to get there? Did you like what you ordered? Would you order something different next time?

EDP IN PITSCO MAKER SPACES
The Engineering Design Process is something we use more often than we realize. However, many kids today do not have this same skill set and often lack problem-solving skills. So, let’s look at how a Pitsco Maker Space Project can be used to teach the EDP. The KaZoon Kite Maker Project spans all three of our leveled makerspace packages.

• Ask (prompt) – Give your students a problem or prompt to solve. For example, build a three-dimensional (could be 2-D for elementary) kite composed of at least four tetrahedrons.
• Imagine – Ask your students to brainstorm their designs. They could draw them, write about them, discuss them, or utilize technology. The sky’s the limit, and it’s okay if they use different strategies.
• Plan – Whether the students are working individually or in a group, they need to pick one design.
• Create – This is the best step because students are able to get their hands on the materials and build something. This is where they learn perseverance, teamwork, and determination. This is the step where they get to make it their own!
• Improve – After making their kites, students will need to test them. Do the kites satisfy the given prompt/problem? Do they fly? Is there anything the students would like to change to make the kites better?

After your students start using the EDP, it will come more naturally. After a while, they won’t even think about it being a process. They will just solve problems, and that’s exactly what you want them to do.

The FANUC Advanced Automation Challenge 2.0 invites all CERT schools to work with local industry to create problem solutions. This challenge provides students the opportunity to improve their STEM skills and become familiar with the advanced manufacturing industry. 

This challenge encourages students to work with manufacturers to design a solution or solve a problem using FANUC products or an integrated solution with technology from FANUC, Rockwell, Cisco or Lincoln. Students (aka “Tomorrow’s Innovators”) will have the opportunity to test their STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) skills and critical thinking abilities. 

Students will interview a manufacturer to learn about their processes and consider potential opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge. Students will use their school’s robot, CNC, or advanced manufacturing technology to develop/design a workable solution and provide a demonstration.

Creativity is encouraged - students decide how simple or complex their solution is. 

The goal of this open-ended challenge is to change the perception of what todays advanced manufacturers looks like and introduce manufacturers to Tomorrow’s Innovators. This challenge will prepare them for exciting STEM career opportunities, develop their problem-solving skills, and introduce them to real-world advanced manufacturing applications.

Manufacturers need a workforce that is prepared to work in the new, Smart Factories of Industry 4.0. FANUC, together with Rockwell Automation, Cisco Systems, and Lincoln Electric, are committed to supporting education programs that serve the needs of the advanced manufacturing industry.

Awards will include a FANUC Robot, a FANUC CNC Simulator, a Rockwell PLC/HMI package, FANUC Simulation software, and technology from Cisco and Lincoln, representing over $100,000 investment in STEM education programs.

A recently published article in Manufacturing Business Technology, " Next-Generation Manufacturing: Are You Ready?" addresses the changing face of manufacturing facilities. These cutting-edge facilities embrace information-based approaches to manufacturing, advanced technologies, and a growing number of younger workers. An excerpt:

"There is a revolution underway in manufacturing today that is ushering in a new era for the industry. If you take a step inside and look around one of today’s most advanced facilities, you’ll see it’s a far cry from the dark, dirty and dangerous rust-belt dungeons of manufacturing days gone by. Instead, these forward-thinking facilities are clean, bright, efficient workplaces that use some of the most cutting-edge technological advances available — robotics, 3D printing, mobile internet, cloud computing, big data and the Internet of Things (IOT) — to gain an edge in the marketplace with greater efficiencies, increased productivity, and other advantages that equate to a much healthier bottom line."

Experts are discussing an important shift in manufacturing technology: which is more beneficial, additive or subtractive manufacturing. Let's face it - it's a crowded field, full of technologies and applications. Fictiv discusses the future of production in this blog post, and how people are choosing technology for tomorrow’s industry. In today’s maker-climate, each technology has advantages, and implications for your students.
 
Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is another term for 3D printing, and can use a variety of materials and printers. 3D printing has always been very useful for rapid prototype development, but it is starting to make its impact on the manufacturing world as well. Materials such as PLA and ABS plastics, as well as composite and metal materials improve printing. 3D printing is used as a step in the design process in companies ranging from Nike to Ford. Designers will print a prototype and use a 3D rendering to test and develop and enhance in a way that drawings can’t duplicate. Prints are faster and cheaper to produce than traditional machine tooling. The precise dimensions (often printed in color) provide a realistic model for designers and engineers to manipulate.
 
Subtractive Manufacturing
Subtractive manufacturing is a process by which 3D objects are constructed by successively cutting material away from a solid block of material. Subtractive manufacturing can be done by manually cutting the material but is most typically done with a CNC Machine. One of the advantages of subtractive manufacturing is the variety of materials that can be used, from wood and metal to plastics and acrylics to plasma. (Finer applications such as laser engravers work with an even wider array of materials.) CNC is widely used in manufacturing, and can be found in most facilities.
 
Necessary Skill Set
There is ongoing conversation about which method is more prevalent in the future of manufacturing. In reality, both have a place in 21st century manufacturing, which is why your students should be familiar with both technologies. In order for someone to comfortably use either technology, they need a solid understanding of design and CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) programs, as well as a familiarity with engineering principles so they can understand and develop using the best materials for the project. CNC operators should have a mechanical aptitude, and be able to read blueprints and drawings.
 
Learn More
You can give students hands on experience with both additive manufacturing (3D printing) and subtractive manufacturing (CNC). Moss partners with the following companies to provide cost-effective classroom solutions:​

• Afinia (3D printing)
• Ez Router (CNC)
• FANUC (Robotics and CNC)
• Techno CNC Systems (CNC)
• Universal Laser Systems (Laser cutting and engraving)

Contact Moss to assess which technology is right for your students and your program. We can help you introduce these programs or enhance existing programs with curriculum and tools. Ensure your students are ready for their next steps. 

​Whether you are building a Makerspace of Fab Lab, you have undoubtedly considered a CNC Router. CNC technology is a key component of fabrication, but the technology is as diverse as the applications. CNC equipment is designed to route, carve, drill, and engrave in wood, plastic, foam, aluminum and other materials for a wide range of applications.
 
CNC routers, plasma cutters and laser equipment make it easy and exciting for educators to prepare students for the technical manufacturing jobs of tomorrow. Students understand modern manufacturing challenges, turning design concepts into reality on industry standard equipment.
 
Choosing a CNC Router
When choosing a CNC Router, consider the following components:

• Quality: Economical and Technologically Advanced CNC Control Systems - Techno CNC’s high performance industrial quality CNC equipment enables students to learn on full scale production systems guaranteeing that they are well prepared for real-world applications upon entry into the workforce.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly, with a short learning curve - Techno CNC’s routers, plasmas cutters and laser equipment make it easy for educators to prepare students for the technical manufacturing jobs of tomorrow. Students can quickly and easily assimilate the new technology and how it can be applied to real world circumstances.
• Compatibility with available CAD/CAM Software - Open architecture that works with all industry standard software programs is essential. This enables educational institutes the flexibility to integrate their CNC’s throughout a variety of STEM electives and curriculums, such as manufacturing, architectural design, prototying, and pre-engineering.
• Curriculum: Learning with certified instructors - FANUC’s comprehensive curriculum teaches the critical aspects of CNC machine setup, operation and programming using industry-leading equipment and providing sufficient repetition to ensure effective learning.  Student certification requires passing both an academic and practical skills test to ensure competence. 
• System Integration - With FANUC’s Certified Education CNC Training program, students will first write, edit and proof programs using 3D solid model animation in NCGuide software running on a PC.  Using a USB memory stick, they then transfer the part program from NCGuide to the CNC on the machine either in the classroom and/or a workshop and then perform setup and testing.
• Resources: Tools and Resources make the difference – From live training, webinars, guides, and back-end support, it is important to choose a provider that will ensure you are successful in your classroom.

 
At Moss, we represent Techno CNC Systems, FANUC, and ez Router – we can provide options based on your program goals and budget considerations. Let us help  you develop your FabLab or Makerspace.
 
Tell us – what is the single biggest consideration you have when looking at CNC Routers? 

Are you looking for ideas on how to integrate 3D printing into your existing STEM curriculum? You're not alone! Project-based learning and 3D printing are pivotal avenues for teaching STEM subjects, engaging students on new levels, and preparing them for future careers. Afinia offers several 3D Printing STEM Kits, which support project-based learning in the classroom.

Each pack comes with student workbooks and a teacher’s guide to help you seamlessly integrate the projects into your curriculum.

Available STEM Kits include:

• Derby Dash - This is a great STEM project for teachers to further teaching on topics such as electric motors, gears, kinematics and basic principles of physics, such as the conservation of energy.
• Balance Bot - In this project, students get to design and build their own robot, while learning about servo and stepper motors. The science of simple machines is also a focus of this lesson.
• Spirobot - Enrich students’ understanding of robotics, mechanics, simple programming mathematics, and art. Students will use browser-based programming apps to direct the Spirobot.
• Heart Rate Watch - In this project students will design, print, and build their very own heart rate monitor. This project is great for further teaching on topics such as 2D drawings, electrical energy storage, voltage conversion and electronics.
• LED Digital Clock - In this project, students will design, print, and then build their very own LED digital clock. This is a great STEM project for teachers to do further teaching on topics such as time, temperature, LEDs, and electronics.
• Solar Battery Charger - In this project, students will design, print, and build their very own solar battery charger. This is a great STEM project for teachers to do further teaching on topics such as solar power, renewable energy, and electronics.
• USB Power Bank - In this project, you’ll learn about the basics of 2D drawings, interpreting 2D drawings, CAD modeling, 3D printing, and assembling electronic components. A great project to enhance lessons in electricity!
• M.I.R.A - 5 Axis Mini Industrial Robot Arm - Robotics and 3d printers are the fastest technologies used in education and research. MIRA is the ideal platform for teaching for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) principles at all levels.
• Mini Boom Box - Turn up the music! Students can build a speaker that connects to their phone, MP3 player, or other portable device. This project is great for further teaching on topics such as sound and sound waves, amplifiers and speakers, circuit diagrams and electronics.
• Night Light - In this project, you’ll learn about the basics of design and development, following design requirements, market research, creating and developing concepts, CAD modeling, 3D printing, and assembly electronic components.

Integrating 3D printing into existing STEM programs is easy with these project-based units. Learn more - download this informational file today, or contact your Education Specialist for more information. 

​When business works with local high school to develop and implement certification programs, the results can have a long term impact on the community:

According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the skill gap for entry level workers in advanced manufacturing is growing at a startling rate. With approximately 30% of jobs requiring technical skills and only 17% of graduates having them, you can see how alarming this trend is. High Schools like Doss High School are looking to reverse this trend by offering students the chance to earn stackable credentials that they can take with them to any job:

• Safety
• Maintenance Awareness
• Quality and Continuous Improvement
• Manufacturing Processes and Production

 
These core competencies, taught by Amatrol through the MSSC certification program, helps graduates feel more comfortable and confident in job placements, feel more agile and communicate more effectively. The certifications are stackable credentials recognized by business and industry, and can give students a competitive advantage when applying for manufacturing positions.
 
These programs are specifically designed for High Schools, and can complement core content in science, math, and other areas – which creates a win-win for schools!
 
Learn more: contact an Education Specialist to learn about the certification options available for your high school students.