1 P R I M E Partnership for Regional Innovation in Manufacturing Education Dr. Pearley Cunningham Co-Principle Investigator - PRIME Department Head – Engineering Technology Community College of Allegheny County Pittsburgh, PA

2 What is PRIME ? Industry-driven, five-college system delivering innovative manufacturing education and career development in Southwestern Pennsylvania

3 Academic Partners Community College of Allegheny County Dr. Pearley Cunningham Butler County Community College Dr. Sunday Faseyitan Westmoreland County Community College Dr. Robert Myers Robert Morris University Dr. Winston Erevelles Penn State New Kensington Prof. D. Huggins

4 Manufacturing in Southwestern Pennsylvania 3,800 manufacturing firms - 2 nd largest private sector employer, but largest annual payroll 166,000 employees Wages –$40,000 average manufacturing wage –$28,000 average other sector wage Effects of retirement

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6 Results of industry focus groups Where newly hired employees are deficient –Business skills –Communication skills –Engineering fundamentals and problem solving –International perspective –Manufacturing - processes, controls, and systems –Materials –Project management –Quality –Teamwork

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8 PRIME – The Integrated Paradigm

9 PRIME Academic Programs

10 PRIME activities at individual institutions Accreditable degree programs New or modified curricula and facilities Industry steering committees Internships Articulation agreements

11 Activities at RMU B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering (4 yrs) Builds on strong communication and business programs The Computer Integrated Engineering Enterprise - a learning factory –Integration of mathematics, sciences, and basic engineering concepts into advanced courses –Integration of engineering practice into the learning process

12 RMU Learning Factory - Components Materials and Testing Automated Machining with Auto ID Assembly Cell with Auto ID Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing Metrology and Reverse Engineering Manufacturing Processes Machine Tool Monitoring Material Handling Systems Virtual Enterprise Computer Learning Center & Software Mobile Learning Factory

13 Activities at CCAC 4 new A.S. Programs in Manufacturing Technology degrees (2 yrs) - Controls, Nanofabrication, Basic Machines, Welding Technology to Engineering bridge (3 yrs) Focus: control of the manufacturing process through automation, metrology, and quality The Advanced Manufacturing Academy Addressing pre-employment training and the upgrade of skills for advancement Collaborative work with RMC

14 Activities at BCCC A.S. in Manufacturing Technology degrees (2 yrs) Program options in tool and die manufacturing and plastic part manufacturing Laboratory component –Manufacturing Processes laboratory in a new building –Utilization of Penn United facilities for tool and die Role of the Advanced Manufacturing Group in steering the project

15 Activities at WCCC A.S. in Manufacturing Technology degrees (2 yrs) Manufacturing Technology program options –Chemical Processes, Electronics Assembly, Manufacturing Processes, Manufacturing Maintenance, and Nanofabrication Integration of learning modules across the curriculum Consolidation of laboratories and classrooms under one roof Blend of theoretical and experiential learning

16 Activities at PSNK A.S./B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering Technology at PSNK (2/4 yrs) [in process] Program options in tool and die, electro-optics, and general manufacturing Availability of plastics & nano-fabrication options at other campuses Industry-focused certificate programs Laboratory component at the University of Pittsburgh Manufacturing Assistance Center

Vo Tech Programs: e.g. Manufacturing 2000 Community Colleges: CCAC, BCCC, and WCCC Four-Year Institutions: RMU & PSNK K-12 Unemployed Underemployed PRIME Educational System Industry

18 PRIME Feeder System

Manufacturing Feeder System Manufacturing Pathways Initiative (Summer) Pittsburgh Adventures in Technology (School Year)

Manufacturing Pathways Initiative Prepare young people to enter the manufacturing industry directly upon graduation from high school or to enroll in post-secondary education in manufacturing (PRIME schools) –60 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction including industry tours –120 hours of work-based experiences

21 Manufacturing Pathways Students worked with the FAMS Curriculum learning team work, manufacturing process and information gathering 80 students in Summer of Companies

22 Bicycle Module Students assemble electronic “coin toss” College intern explains electronic circuit

Pittsburgh Adventures in Technology Teams will be given a project/problem from an Industry Partner Have a timeline and a panel of industry mentors and teachers. Showcase Event – present ideas and how the problem was solved

24 Role of Industry Champions Steering committees Projects Internships Jobs Equipment Financial support Networking

25 PRIME Funding SME Education Foundation – MEP (000511) Heinz Endowments Alcoa Foundation National Science Foundation – ATE (DUE ) USX Foundation U.S. Department of Labor (Westmoreland-Fayette WIB)

26 Impact - 1 Closing competency gaps cited by industry Engaged students seeking pre-employment education or a skills upgrade for career advancement Created a model for competitive collaboration and regional development

27 Impact - 2 Linking K-12, certificate and apprenticeship programs to a region-wide articulated system Creating a regional network for learning at different levels, at times and locations best suited to new and incumbent technicians and engineers Engaged the ongoing and vigorous participation of industry partners to guide and improve manufacturing education

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