Manufacturing Academy Course Descriptions
Module I. Manufacturing Overview (42 HRS):
In this module, participants’ learn about the basic concepts and terminology of manufacturing, explore career opportunities with area manufacturers through presentations by company representatives, and make first-hand observations through plant tours. Participants’ also earn a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC).
- Manufacturing fundamentals: the process and economics of manufacturing
- Introduction to area manufacturers
- Career Readiness Certificate (CRC)
- Basic computer operations and concepts
- Plant tours
- Manufacturing simulations (Hands-on exercise)
Module II. Problem Solving (9 HRS):
This module introduces participants’ to a variety of tools and ways of thinking about and solving problems. Participants’ will define problems using a seven step problem solving technique.
- Impacts of problems in manufacturing
- Seven-step problem-solving technique:
- Problem-solving tools:
- Check sheets
- Process maps
- Brainstorming
- Cause-and-effect diagrams
- Five Why’s
Module III. Math & Measurements (24 HRS):
This module instructs participants’ in reading and making measurements with devices commonly used in manufacturing and is a review of basic arithmetic computations.
- Basic types of manufacturing measurements
- Using measuring devices common to manufacturing
- Product variation and tolerance and their impact in manufacturing
- Review of basic math functions and using a calculator
- Review of fractions, decimals and percent
- Reading and using charts and graphs to convey information
Module IV. Teamwork & Communication (9 HRS):
This module presents the elements of good communication so that participants’ can function more effectively in an organization. This module also prepares participants’ to function as part of a team in collaborating with others to accomplish a goal.
- A model for understanding successful communication
- Influences on communication (perception, non-verbal communication, listening)
- Team and teamwork
- Stages of team development
- Team member roles (work ethic, punctuality, flexibility)
- Characteristics of an effective team
- Conflict and ways to help reduce or resolve it
Module V. Safety (12 HRS):
This module informs participants’ of the priority of safety in the modern manufacturing environment and stresses the importance of current safe work practices and requirements. Students will earn an OSHA 10 card.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards
- Ergonomics Overview
- Hazard assessment procedures and responsibilities
Module VI. Continuous Improvement (Lean, Six Sigma, TQM, and ISO Certification) (9 Hours):
This module helps familiarized participants’ with the current continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, TQM, and ISO. Lean and Six Sigma definitions and concepts are explained.
- Quality and continuous improvement
- Seven kinds of waste
- Standard Work
- Variation
- Improvement methods
- Root cause analysis
- Six Sigma White Belt
- ISO Certification Overviews