TechTonic TV – Advanced Manufacturing

TechTonic TV – Advanced Manufacturing

One issue the Nevada County Economic Resource Council frequently hears about is how difficult it can be to find skilled workers for local manufacturers.  The accelerating intersection of technology and fabrication means that the skill set required has shifted radically from that needed in previous generations.  Manufacturing has always been at the forefront of technological development, from the advent of the industrial age driven by steam power, the first assembly line which automated workflow by Ford, to modern CNC fabrication.  

The skills needed in today’s manufacturing world are vastly different than those in previous generations thanks to the heavy lifting done through software, setup and incredibly complex machines.  We sat down with Franz Veitschegger, chair of the Advanced Manufacturing program at Sierra College for our TechTonic TV podcast to gain insight into where and how to gain those skills, and how to put them to work whether as a springboard for further education as an engineer or as a skilled machinist earning good wages with one of the many local companies that are hard at work in Nevada County.  

The program at Sierra is affiliated with the Gene Haas Foundation of Haas Automation, one of the largest manufacturers of CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines in the world, located in California.  Students have access to cutting edge tools including 14 Haas machines from the very first lab, and can access the lectures and preparatory work necessary to be ready to go on their own schedule.  Franz notes that “I try to make really fun projects that they do and relatable projects to keep them engaged”. We discuss what to expect from your first week in class, what it will take to succeed, how the needed design software is free to students, the wide range of job prospects for graduates and much more.

Watch the full interview on YouTube, Facebook or at NC Tech Connection, and check out the link for more information on the Sierra College Advanced Manufacturing programs.