T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E
Electrical Technology, and Electronics Technology/Instrumentation. This portion of the building is divided by the various equipment, each of the pieces grouped according to the specific program they serve. There are brand new pieces of Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) training equipment selected by Instructor Mr. Thomas Holt based on recommendations from industry partners. “What we’re trying to do is to train a CNC operator to come in and be able to load the part into the machine, run the program, get the finished part, and quality check the finished part. It’s a new 12-week program that we are offering,” explained Holt. “By doing that, it helps to fill a dire need that we have in our area for CNC operators.” In a second area, there are multiple motor stations set up to allow students studying industrial electricity to practice wiring for different systems. Other skills learned include bending conduit, pulling wire, and what size wire is needed for different applications. Students will
standard programs such as CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) and Chief Architect, as well as to complete OSHA training. Moving on to the construction technology lab, students learn the fundamentals of working on a construction site, from very basic hand tools to more complicated power tools. They are also taught how to install doors and windows, hang siding, and, are even introduced to the basics of mechanical systems. “Everything is a building block in construction. It starts with the foundation and goes up from there,” Lee continued. “Same thing in this program. We start with our floor systems, our foundations, and we’re going to build our wall systems, roofs, so on and so forth. We concentrate mainly on carpentry skills and being proficient with those, and we scratch the surfaces of electrical and HVAC. So, our goal is to give them a general contractor view.” Across the hall from Construction Technology is another large and impressive lab, home to Industrial Maintenance,
also learn about green energy, including wind and solar power. In an adjacent lab, the students studying Electronics Technology/Instrumentation are taught about Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). They learn how to program PLCs which requires creating the program on a computer and then wiring up the PLC. The third program housed here is Industrial Maintenance. Students in this program use all the equipment and lab areas used in the electrical and electronics programs, plus additional equipment. The local industries are in constant communication with the trade programs offered at TC. “They work with us on making sure that we’re staying up-to-date with their technology because they know we want to,” described Holt. Local students are being set up for success, making it clear our community is looking ahead and working hard to take the local work force into the 21st century and beyond.
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L I F E & S T Y L E
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