Precision Fabrication Technology Training
Associate in Science
Manufacturing Technology 705.2
Community College of Allegheny County
The Precision Fabrication Technology associate’s degree program gives students the opportunity to work with high-tech equipment in the MAGLEV, Inc. research and development facility in McKeesport. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available for qualified individuals. These sponsorships include full tuition coverage plus $200 per semester for books. Contact the Precision Fabrication Technology Program Assistant for information or you can apply here.
During the first three semesters are at the Community College of Allegheny County South Campus in West Mifflin. The mark of the Community College is preparing students with theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Upon completing the first three semesters at CCAC students are well-rounded in manufacturing technology having taken courses in mechanical engineering, manufacturing processes, programmable logic controllers, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, physics, math, and parametric modeling.
The fourth semester of the Precision Fabrication Technology program brings students to the MAGLEV, Inc. research and development facility a true teaching factory. In the same spirit as CCAC there is a wedding of classroom theory and hands-on experience. This 24,000 square foot facility has space dedicated to classroom instruction. When the time comes for students to complete their labs, they move to the MAGLEV, Inc. shop floor. Performing experiments and working with state-of-the-art equipment, students operate in a factory environment.
The last semester is specialized to focus on teaching the students based on the expertise of MAGLEV, Inc. This includes robotic welding, 3D computer modeling, computer aided manufacturing, and precision measurement using coherent laser radar scanning. All of these technologies are combined into an integrated process for large scale precision fabrication of metal components.
Incumbent / Dislocated Worker Training
MAGLEV, Inc. is creating training courses specifically for incumbent and dislocated workers with the help of the Institute for Career Development. The ICD is experienced in training from their work with the steel and rubber/tire industries. For the Precision Fabrication Technology program training courses for incumbent and dislocated workers build upon industrial workers' existing skills. These 20-40 hour training courses teach precision fabrication technology including robotics, precision measurement, and 3D computer design. This series of courses and accompanying certificates begins later this year.
Precision Fabrication Management Program
Through Penn State University, and their Greater Allegheny campus, a select group of engineering students intern for five hours each week at MAGLEV, Inc. Over the course of their two-year internship while studying at Penn State Greater Allegheny, these students work together as a team on projects that apply their academic knowledge. At the end of their internship period, before moving on to complete their studies for a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering at Penn State University Park, these students will complete a series of the worker training courses. These students receive funds towards the cost of their tuition that is conditional of their maintaining a 3.0 grade point average.
There is also a whitepaper available with more information about the programs listed above.