Miranda Gardner
Agora staff
The Applied Science and Engineering Technology (ASET) division conducted the career exploration on Oct. 24 in the CTC building that aimed towards prospecting students and females.
Peter Coomar dean of applied science and engineering technology said that the turnout was as they expected.
“We do this twice a year to showcase various programs,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to the students.”
X-Tech took CTE students into classroom demonstrations and hands-on activities that educated young people in science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) fields.
“Most of them came here because they were interested,” Coomar said.
The event allowed students to explore professional trades/occupational programs offered at MCCC which can lead to several tech opportunities.
“These are careers and open up pathways to a profession,” Coomar said
Larry Hyder and Michael Sokolowski, MCCC students and X-Tech volunteers ran the electrical demonstration.
“I think it’s great,” Hyder said. “Especially because I’m a local with a short drive, and you’re not paying a big university price.”
The Imperial March played from the programmed demonstration.
“A kid looked up at the sound board and asked, ‘What is that,’” Hyder said. “And it was like every kid knew it was Star Wars but him.”
Reece Anderson, Jefferson high school senior was finishing her tour of X-Tech.
“I thought it was really cool,” she said. “It’s really interesting to see the different classes.”
Paul Bowser adjunct for automotive technology said the X-Tech was going great as he prepares to show off the 2015 army green supercharged Mustang from Rousch.
“Kids are really interested in the noise makers,” he said.
The mustang was built off the G500 platform with 707 horsepower that was demonstrated on screen. The revved engine jumped from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.096 seconds to 0-100 miles per hour in 9 seconds.
“That’s mine, there’s 70,000 miles on it,” Bowser said. “Cars aren’t meant to sit around.”
Bowser discussed the industry incentive pulling women into the automotive trade with pay increases.
“They have to employ a specific percentage of women in these jobs,” he said. “I have six female mechanics and it’s a great opportunity for anyone here.”
Students were asked trivia questions to win prizes from MCCC keychains to welded metal figurines.
Stephen Hasselbach instructor of Welding Technology gave hands-on activities a new name for high schoolers winning prizes.
“If you can do 50 push-ups, I’ll let you upgrade your ghost,” Hassselbach said to a student.
Brad Trancygier, Mason high school senior dropped and gave him 50.
“I try to be lively, make some jokes here and there,” Hasselbach said. “Only have a couple minutes to spit some game at em.”
The welding prizes of ghosts, pumpkins, and scaredy cats were made specially for the event.
“Showing them what we can do,” he said.
Samantha Farr from Women Who Weld met with Hasselbach to promote ways of getting females and minorities into the industry. How can we work together to move women forward, she asked?
“Use our facility as a platform to get more women into our certification program,” Hasselbach said. “Discussed involvement to help her with scholarship and grant opportunities for women in welding.”
Katharine Griffith, MCCC welding student and X-Tech volunteer said welding is where it’s at.
“We had sub-contractors coming and going, and you know who had fun? The welders,” she said. “They always walked out with a smile.”
Griffith is one of few women in MCCC’s welding programs.
“Like all the welding classes together,” she asked. “We have four including myself.”
Women Who Weld is a nonprofit organization that helps find women employment in the welding industry.
Anyone interested should email info@womenwhoweld.org or contact via the website www.womenwhoweld.org.
