Advanced Manufacturing Pathway benefits high school students, KCNSC
Advanced Manufacturing Pathway is an educational program designed to help students develop the skills necessary for a successful career in manufacturing. After the first year of the program, the KCNSC hired five Grandview High School graduates who had completed the training. KCNSC's advanced manufacturing positions start at about $27 an hour during training and increase to $45 an hour after training. Fifty-two Grandview High School students received OSHA-10 certification, while 15 students earned their combination welding certifications from the American Welding Society. Students earned a combined total of 320 college credits in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades.
It takes a village to bring a project like this to life. Since 2023, Brad Hughes, Brent Barcus and Rob Mandl, commercial industry advisors for Honeywell Federal Solutions, have met every week to upgrade Grandview High School's manufacturing lab and introduce professional manufacturing practices into the curriculum.
'It has been truly inspiring to collaborate with a district so dedicated to elevating career pathways in manufacturing at the high school level,' Barcus said. 'It has been incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation – not just in the physical space, which now stands as a point of pride at Grandview, but also to see the enthusiasm of Mr. Burns, the Advanced Manufacturing Pathway classroom teacher, and his students. This work will undoubtedly help cultivate the next generation of manufacturing talent.'
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As part of the program, Grandview High School lab instructors received professional development and Computer Numerical Control instruction to teach students how to use all the lab equipment, including lathes, mills and welding tools, properly.
To further support the instructors, the KCNSC arranged for subject-matter experts to mentor and share their real-world experiences with students throughout the year. Kevin Burk and Tim Adams, machine repairpersons at the KCNSC, were among the mentors who worked directly with students.
According to Burk, 'Encouraging students to explore their creativity and demonstrating applied engineering and scientific principals while also assisting them in gaining experience in a marketable skillset was a win-win to me.'
Adams was paired with a student who needed extra support to be successful.
'If my volunteering in the lab leads to a young person choosing a career in manufacturing, that is a gain for the time I committed,' Adams added. 'He just needed encouragement, which I gave him. That is building a legacy.'
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The KCNSC and the Grandview School District formed a partnership that connects their disciplines. Through the Advanced Manufacturing Pathway program, students develop skills they need to succeed in the workforce and teachers gain access to new tools and techniques. Additionally, KCNSC volunteers engage with young people to make a difference, helping create a pipeline of future manufacturing employees. It's a win for everyone!
'Partnerships like ours with the KCNSC are integral to bridging the gap between education and industry while providing our students in Grandview with the real-world experiences that truly prepare them for their future,' said Grandview Superintendent of Schools Kenny Rodriquez. 'Our collaboration has significantly enriched our school district. We deeply appreciate partnering with the KCNSC, as their support and expertise have enhanced our educational environment and impacted our students' engagement and success.'
The Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), located in Kansas City and Albuquerque, is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration's collection of laboratories and production facilities within the Nuclear Security Enterprise. Decades of experience, attention to quality, and precision engineering expertise makes KCNSC a premier advanced manufacturing facility. Employees at the KCNSC support our national security mission, protecting our country and our allies around the world. Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technologies, LLC (FM&T), manages and operates the KCNSC. To learn more, visit kcnsc.doe.gov.
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6 hours ago
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How Digital Tools Are Transforming Safety Compliance in Power Generation
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Digital tools provide an efficient and effective compliance solution, providing real-time documentation of inspections and more. Courtesy: PlanRadar[/caption] The Compliance Climate: Why Safety Needs a Digital Backbone Compliance requirements are a constant across every power project, but the rate and frequency at which codes and requirements are changing has increased. In recent years, the U.S. has seen: OSHA Pressure. In 2023 alone, OSHA stepped up inspections in the energy sector, issuing over $25 million in citations related to fire protection system failures, lack of fire watch documentation, and insufficient training. This marks a trend toward proactive enforcement over reactive penalty. ESG and Insurance Pressure. ESG reporting frameworks such as the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) now include building safety indicators, and insurers are adjusting premiums based on demonstrable safety documentation. 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Adams' registration reverie
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Business Insider
a day ago
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I'm a 29-year-old pipe fitter who makes over $100,000 a year. Here are my 3 tips for anyone interested in entering the trades.
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