Manufacturing & Engineering Center

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Today for “Faculty Spotlight” we’re sitting down with Dennis Fohey, full-time Materials Science and Robotics Instructor (overseeing both Metallurgy and Plastics Technology) in the Metallurgy and Materials Science department at Schoolcraft College.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Professor Fohey, and thanks for joining us today. To start, could you please share a bit about your background and career in the automotive industry? And then please tell us about your teaching career at Schoolcraft College.

Professor Fohey: Like the students I meet here at Schoolcraft College, I started out at a community college trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I was working toward an Engineering Technology degree when I was offered a co-op position at GM working in the test lab. I spent the next 11 years working in various lab roles testing the strength and fatigue performance of automotive components and systems – I was paid to break stuff. Great job and I learned lots. I continued my career supporting the development of structural components (frames, cradles, control arms) for cars and trucks. 

The opportunities I was given through the community college changed my life, and I always hoped to “give back.” When I was offered a position at Schoolcraft, I jumped at the chance. I started as a part-time instructor and eventually joined full time.

Schoolcraft College: How unique is Schoolcraft College in terms of offering a program in Metallurgy and Materials Science? And could you please give us a high-level description of the program, what students learn and some of the equipment we have in our labs?

Professor Fohey: Schoolcraft College is currently the only community college to offer a two-year degree for Metallurgy. Other schools offer a few courses without a lab or hands-on content.

Dennis Fohey operating a machine
Dennis Fohey, full-time Materials Science and Robotics Instructor (overseeing both Metallurgy and Plastics Technology) in the Metallurgy and Materials Science department.

Our program provides a basic understanding of commonly used industrial materials. We cover the methods used to strengthen material with alloying, heat treatment and cold working. We use different methods of manufacturing, including casting, forging, and stamping, as well as testing methods for evaluating materials for strength, toughness and microstructure. 

We complement our coursework with hands-on lab activities to reinforce students’ understanding. Lab work includes casting, forging, heat treatment, tensile hardness and impact testing.

Schoolcraft College: Something that you and your colleagues at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center excel at is bringing a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom and sharing that knowledge and imparting that passion to your students. What have been some of the success stories during your teaching career?

Professor Fohey:  It is great to see our students succeed. Our Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) location is close to many industries that offer well-paying career opportunities. Over the years I’ve seen many of our students go out into the working world and prosper. 

Schoolcraft College: Automotive engineers face a daunting task of identifying and using materials that are light so they contribute to fuel/energy efficiency, yet are strong enough to withstand durability and crash-testing regimens. Can you please share a bit of insight on this process from your career?

Professor Fohey: The transportation industries are always pushing to find lighter and stronger materials to be used in their products. The steel industry, for example, has created many new grades of steel that are significantly stronger than their predecessors. These new materials require a different approach to the entire product development cycle, from the initial design concept, manufacturing, welding and even repair. 

Throughout my career, I’ve seen the development cycle constantly changing with the relentless push to be more efficient (lighter). Lightweighting is the process of removing weight from a component or assembly while maintaining the required properties, often by using new lightweight materials. It is used in the auto industry to build lighter cars and trucks as a way to achieve better fuel efficiency and handling. 

Improved safety requirements and recyclability also have changed development. The materials we use always play a significant role. Those who understand and learn about new materials and methods are valued by industry.

Schoolcraft College: What credentials are offered and what are some of the potential career paths from Metallurgy and Materials Science? Can students get a certificate and immediately be employed, or do they need to transfer for further education?

Professor Fohey: The program offers three Metallurgy and Materials Science credentials. You can start by earning the certificate, and if you are interested you can build on to earn an Associate degree, increasing your skills and pay. We also offer the Post Associate Certificate for those in the field.

  1. Metallurgy: Applied Physical Certificate: This program provides those currently employed in the field with an opportunity to develop or reinforce skills needed to advance in the laboratory or supporting organizations. 31 credits
  2. Metallurgy and Materials Science Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree: This is the only two-year program of its kind in the state of Michigan. It gives students broad knowledge of materials testing, manufacturing, and research and development needed for positions ranging from laboratory technician to plant manager. 62-67 credits
  3. Materials Science Post-Associate Certificate: This is designed for working technical professionals who need specific training in metallurgical technologies or laboratory practices. 16 credits

There are many local industries looking for support in these technical fields. I’ve seen our students take on roles in lab testing, material purchasing, technical sales, quality control and manufacturing technical support. 

Metallurgy and Materials Science supports many industries and careers. Industries include automotive, aerospace, appliance, building construction, energy production, and consumer products. 

  • Positions include Technician, Laboratory Technician, Process Engineer, Metallurgist/Welder, Materials Scientist, Plant Manager, Biomaterials Researcher and Industrial Sales.
  • With a Metallurgy Applied Physical Certificate – Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces. Earnings: $38,040 per year/$18.29 per hour*
  • With a Metallurgy and Materials Science AAS – Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture machines and other devices. Earnings: $60,460 per year/$29.07 per hour* 

* (2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Schoolcraft College: Thank you, Professor Fohey, for your time. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Professor Fohey: Stop by Schoolcraft College’s state-of-the-art facility, the MEC. We have an innovative center, advanced equipment and great staff to help support the growth of our students. 

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He’s a Professor in the Engineering/Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program

Today for “Faculty Spotlight” we’re sitting down with Steven E. Rochon, a Professor in the Engineering/Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Professor Rochon, and thanks for joining us today. To start out, could you please share a bit about your background and career at Schoolcraft College? What drew you to a career in engineering and Computer-Aided Design (CAD)?

Professor Rochon: I was drawn to a career in engineering and CAD when I first took a drafting class and got hooked. While working, I attended Eastern Michigan University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Aided Design. I went on to earn a Master in Business Administration to round out my education.

I worked at Schoolcraft College teaching engineering and CAD part-time from 1999-2016 and became a full-time faculty member in 2016.

Steven Rochon
Steven E. Rochon, a Professor in the Engineering/Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center.

SC: Some of us are old enough to remember taking mechanical drawing classes in high school and drawing parts using triangles, French curves and so forth on an actual drafting table. How are today’s students learning these types of skills?

Professor Rochon: Yes, the first drafting class I took was using the manual tools on the drafting table. I really enjoyed the skills that entailed. The new CAD technology has replaced the manual systems. The CAD programs are still only as effective as the designer when it comes to solving problems and making correct choices.

SC: One area that you and your colleagues at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center excel at is helping connect students with key leaders in business and industry for potential career opportunities. Please tell us about that.

Professor Rochon: Ford Motor Company speaks with our students about career opportunities as Ford engineers and energy engineers in the Engineering 100 class – Introduction to both CAD and Engineering.

Our students are in high demand with transportation industry companies. We train students with state-of-the-art, industry 3D software that the businesses rely on, including: NX by Siemens, CATIA and SolidWorks by Dassault Systèmes, and 2D AutoCAD software by AutoDesk.

Besides the 3D and 2D software, we also offer GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) training, also known as Advanced Tolerance training. With the use of GD&T, component and assemblies are almost guaranteed to be interchangeable. This is a vital part of complex manufacturing because it enhances design accuracy by allowing for appropriate tolerances that maximize production quality. Classes prepare students to take the industry-valued ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) GD&T certification testing.

figurine and block pieces
Here are some items students create in Professor Steven E. Rochon’s Computer-Aided Design class.

SC: Engineering and manufacturing are moving so fast these days. What do you see on the horizon? How are we preparing our students for success?

Professor Rochon: CAD and Engineering careers are still driven by analytical thought and creativity. For example, industries are shifting their energy sources, adapting and moving from coal to wind for power. We are seeing the transference of robotics replacing manual labor. We now are using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and are measuring and manufacturing directly from the virtual 3D design. The CMM is a device that measures the geometry of physical objects by sensing discrete points on the surface of the object with a probe. Various types of probes are used in CMMs, including mechanical, optical, laser, and white light. The CMM is now used for doing quality verification on production components.

SC: Can CAD and engineering students get a certificate and immediately be employed?

Professor Rochon: Many industries in Michigan, the U.S. and globally look to hire those with certified CAD skills, making this an in-demand career that can you take anywhere. You can work in diverse industries, including aerospace, defense, medical technology, manufacturing and transportation technology.

Our engineering students will need to transfer to a four-year institution and earn advanced degrees to be an engineer. The CAD student may go right to work as a designer/detailer, learning more on the job, with a certificate or an Associate degree. The software we work with at Schoolcraft is industry-driven and gives students access and experience.

I let students know that there is still so much to learn and know. I encourage them to keep on gaining knowledge and credentials. If they are interested in being in management or a team leader, they will need the extra skills and qualifications to realize their goals.

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Parents and children can meet instructors, ask questions

An open house for Kids on Campus (KOC), the popular summer enrichment program for children pre-school age through grade 12, will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8. Please come to the DiPonio Room of the VisTaTech Center on the campus of Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, 48152.

Parents and children will have the opportunity to meet select class instructors and participate in hands-on activities. Staff will be available to answer questions about registration, which opens at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 10.

Kids on Campus Catalog cover
Registration for Kids on Campus begins Thursday, February 10

KOC’s summer day camps are led by skilled professionals in a diverse and dynamic social environment. The summer programs generally run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to noon with limited before and after care available for a small fee. 

Hands-on learning experiences, which bring out the inquisitive side of even the most hesitant of participants, are emphasized. Children ready to engage in a whole new experience can enjoy access to computers, math, cultural immersion, acting, the arts, science, writing and career-oriented learning opportunities. For those who want to expand academically, skills workshops are also offered. 

Highlighting this summer’s new offerings are three new classes for middle school and high school students at our state-of-the-art Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC):

3D Printing and Design
Grades 7-9

Students will follow the same process as an industrial designer – read blueprints, draw and sketch an image, add dimensions and turn an idea into a 3D model using Tinkercad. They’ll then bring the idea to life with a 3D printer, creating an actual prototype.

Machine Manufacturing, Leading Edge Technology
Grades 10-12

Students will use Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software and real Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines to create, design, build and finish products.

Explore Manufacturing and Engineering Design, Build and Test
Grades 10-12

Students will learn Computer Aided Design (CAD), Manufacturing, Welding, Metallurgy and Robotics in this camp. They start by designing a product, then bring it to life in the Manufacturing and Welding labs. In the Metallurgy module, students will learn about metals and other materials to support product design and manufacturing. They then finish the week learning about Robotics and testing out their new product.

The classes at MEC run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., allowing parents the opportunity to drop off children both there and at the main campus. The MEC is at 13001 Merriman Road in Livonia.

Learn more about Kids on Campus

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Industry demanding increased technical competence 

To support its mission to ensure its students have the training and certifications needed to thrive in an ever-competitive market, Schoolcraft College is now a member of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).

SACA aligns education and training to meet the realities of the fourth industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0. Students who attend classes in the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) will be among the first to take advantage. Opened in the fall of 2020, the MEC is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs. This 48,000-square-foot facility more than doubled the space for occupational programs, including:

  • Biomedical Engineering Technology
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Engineering Technology
  • Electronics
  • Manufacturing Technology/CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
  • Mechatronics
  • Metallurgy and Materials Science
  • Plastic Technology
  • Welding

The MEC also houses a 3D printing lab and robotics lab.

MEC student
Students who attend classes in the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) will be among the first to take advantage of Schoolcraft College being a member of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).

Amy Jones, Associate Dean of Occupational Programs, Engineering & Technology, believes joining SACA will be a great benefit for Schoolcraft College students.

“Today’s manufacturing environment is increasingly complex and computer-connected, and employers are seeking higher levels of technical competency from their employees,” she said. “The SACA certification gives students the technical information to understand and troubleshoot the complex systems found in industry. The certification will attest that the student has learned concepts and can perform various processes learned.”

Further, as a member of SACA, Schoolcraft College can administer the testing without additional fees to students and staff.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Industry 4.0 is resulting in reduced downtime and increased quality, productivity, and overall efficiency in industries of all kinds thanks to advanced technologies that make up what is known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

IIoT technologies include advanced robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and machines, cloud-based data analysis, and cybersecurity. As companies increase their use of networks and Internet technologies, they are connecting more devices, from smart sensors to smartphones. 

“The SACA certification gives students the technical information to understand and troubleshoot the complex systems found in industry.”

Amy Jones, Associate Dean of Occupational Programs, Engineering & Technology

While there are many certifications available today that address isolated competencies, SACA certifications are different. SACA’s Industry 4.0 certifications certify “connected systems” skills that address the integration of the many types of advanced manufacturing technologies with Industry 4.0 technology. 

Students will be able to earn SACA certifications at the Associate, Specialist, and Professional level in areas such as basic and advanced operations; robot systems; IIoT, networking, and data analytics; automation systems; production systems; and information technology (IT) operations.

“The certification is important to give students the right skills to gain employment in middle-to-high skill level position,” Jones said. “The various levels of the certification allows students to continue to master higher level skills which can lead to more advanced job opportunities. The certification shows employers what competencies the student can perform on the job.”

SACA student
The Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs.

SACA will be part of Mechatronics program

The College plans on implementing the SACA certification in a number of ways. This includes structuring it into the credit programs for Mechatronics Technology, which is being revised for the Spring 2022 semester, so that students earn the credentials as they progress through the curriculum.

“We also have grant programs that will follow a ‘boot camp’ model for short-term training leading to a credential and employment or the student may articulate into our credit program,” said Sandra Miller, Project Coordinator, Business Development Center.

“Finally, SACA offers micro-credentials in a particular subject such as hydraulics. These micro-credentials can be offered by Schoolcraft’s Workforce Training Solutions as customized training for employers to upskill their current workforce.” 

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This year’s event was held in a virtual format

Schoolcraft College lent its expertise and highlighted the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) to support the 2021 Wayne County Manufacturing Day held Friday, October 1.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s event was held in a virtual format and earned a strong audience:

  • 6,434 pre-registered students
    • 2,118 middle school students
    • 4,296 high school students
    • 20 adults
  • 47 schools representing 28 districts
  • 25 participating businesses
  • 6 participating colleges

Robotic arm in a manufacturing room
A robotics lab is part of Schoolcraft College’s Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC).

MEC, is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs. Opened in the fall of 2020, the 48,000-square-foot facility more than doubled the space for occupational programs, including:

  • Biomedical Engineering Technology
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Engineering Technology
  • Electronics
  • Manufacturing Technology/CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
  • Mechatronics
  • Metallurgy and Materials Science
  • Plastic Technology
  • Welding

MEC also houses a 3D printing lab and robotics lab.

Schoolcraft College’s presentation included a comprehensive overview of all programs as well as other opportunities, including Dual Enrollment for high school students and “boot camps” for professionals.

Each program profile included possible jobs and industries, potential wages and salaries and credential options offered at Schoolcraft College.  Visit their web page to learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Manufacturing and Technology programs.

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Program is October 28 at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center

Schoolcraft College invites area business to an Apprenticeship Information Session from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 28, at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center.

An apprenticeship program is an excellent way for businesses to ensure a pipeline of right-skilled workers to remain competitive in their industry. Subjects to be covered include understanding program benefits; the registration process; key resources, including current employer financial incentives; and next steps to develop a customized program.

Attendees will hear from the Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship representative as well as workforce partners.

Overall, attendees will learn:

  • Process overview: How Registered Apprenticeship works
  • Benefits: Why Registered Apprenticeship works
  • Knowledge: Resources and contact information to jump start program development
  • Details: Current employer funding opportunities of up to $1,000 per apprentice.
A student working on plexiglass
Schoolcraft College student Logan Leinbach is the first Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist apprentice. The College and Leinbach’s employer, Burke Architectural Millwork, helped develop the apprenticeship for the Department of Labor.

Space is limited. Please contact Pamela Linton, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Schoolcraft College, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-7372 by Thursday, October 21, to reserve your spot. Breakfast will be provided.

The Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC), 13001 Merriman Road in Livonia, is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs. Opened in the fall of 2020, the 48,000-square-foot facility more than doubled the space for occupational programs, including:

  • Biomedical Engineering Technology
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Engineering Technology
  • Electronics
  • Manufacturing Technology/CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
  • Mechatronics
  • Metallurgy and Materials Science
  • Plastic Technology
  • Welding

MEC also houses a 3D printing lab and robotics lab.