Next Generation Manufacturing

Educators: Externships

Externship Summary - 2007
Dave Salonia, Project Lead the Way
Berlin High School

Host Organization: Trumpf, Inc.

Project: Sheet Metal Design and Production

Lessons Learned: The most useful learning component was being able to actually design sheet metal parts using the Computer Aided Design (CAD) system. My host company, Trumpf, Inc., gave me a textbook and several written resources which I used to learn how they design in sheet metal using the latest laser cutting, punching and press brake equipment. I also learned about the computer-programming aspects for the machines as well.

It was challenging to learn many sheet metal design procedures and the sheet metal software package in a very short period of time so that I could become productive quickly.

The implementation of my curriculum plan met my expectations. During my externship experience, I was able to create a lesson plan and Powerpoint presentation for my students. I was able to use a hands-on activity that Trumpf, Inc. uses to train their customers. Trumpf, Inc. has also provided an on-site visit so the students can see the plant and equipment.

Trumpf, Inc. helped me by providing two Mechanical Engineers to assist me in my learning process and support during the actual design so that what I was designing was acurate and producible. Their management was very supportive and provided me with everything that I needed to optimize the externship.

Impact on Student Learning: My students did the activity with some assistance from me. Most of them were able to complete the activity within the allotted time frame. They enjoyed the activity. My students learned a great deal about how sheet metal parts are efficiently made using laser cutting and other state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment through the lesson and activity. This knowledge will be reinforced during the field trip.

Externship Sustainability: I have advised my colleagues of my externship experience. I showed them some of the work that I did while I worked at Trumpf, Inc.. I also plan to make my lesson plan available to other teachers within the Project Lead the Way network, which currently has over 2,400 schools in 49 states across the country.

I plan to talk to my peers on a regular basis about the benefits of teacher externships. It is clearly a "win-win-win" program. It's good for educators because they can keep their skills updated and develop industry contacts. It's good for the hosting companies because they usually form relationships with the schools and students which help them fill job openings and most importantly, students can learn and experience first-hand what engineering and manufacturing are all about in Connecticut. Hopefully, many of these students will see the value of manufacturing and decide to pursue it as a career.

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Educators: Externships