Innovative University-Based Regional Workforce Development Experience

ABSTRACT

Stemming from requests from regional industrial employers primarily in the manufacturing field, an innovative, state-funded workforce development summer camp and related dual-enrollment course was developed at Austin Peay State University. The focus of the camp and course was to prepare students in their junior and senior years of secondary education for entry-level employment in regional manufacturing facilities. The five-week summer camp included an opportunity to gain OSHA-10 online training, basic theoretical and applied knowledge in engineering technology-related areas pertinent to entry-level manufacturing jobs, and the necessary soft skills needed to meet regional employers' demand. Ten students that were assessed from school districts surrounding the hosting institution participated in the first offering of the camp in the summer of 2021. Topics customized for the potential trained, operator-level employee included industrial safety;basic industrial electrical distribution and motor theory;basic mechanical drive theory;and basic industrial automation theory, including industrial robotics and programmable logic controller theory. All technical content theory was accompanied by a related lab that allowed for the application of the learned theory. Additionally, soft-skills training was provided via online vendors. Assessment of student progress was accomplished through a university-held dual-enrollment course in the form of exams and participation grades. The students enrolled in the course received both secondary and university level academic credit that could be transferred into the university's engineering technology associate's or bachelor's degree programs. While fulfilling the need of regional industrial employers, the summer camp and dual enrollment course provided a university-based learning experience that would better inform the student of future career path opportunities. Due to COVID-19 complications in recruiting targeted students, many of the 10 students participating in the camp did not intend to follow the manufacturing employee career pathway, although all 10 students passed the course with above-average grades. Funding for the camp, which includes scientific and safety demonstrations, is secured for the 2022 summer term, during which a more engineering-focused cohort of students will be an enrollment goal. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2022