Four industrial maintenance mechanics from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) have spent three weeks in the labs of Lang Hall this summer, honing their machining skills thanks to a training partnership with the college’s Workforce Development Institute.
Under the instruction of Advanced Manufacturing Technology faculty members Jim Hamilton and Brian Wickham, the mechanics are learning to fabricate industrial machine parts to exacting specifications on lathes, grinders and milling machines.
The New York Power Authority oversees the operation of three, major hydroelectric facilities around the state and several smaller power facilities across the state.
“These guys repair and maintain equipment at the Power Authority’s hydro plants. If a part needs to be replaced, they need to understand the traditional machining techniques to create it,” said Hamilton. “That’s what they are doing here, honing those skills.”
Three of the mechanics are from the Blenheim-Gilboa pumped storage power project in the northern Catskills and one is from the NYPA Saint Lawrence project near Massena. The plan, said NYPA Regional Manager Brian Saez, is to partner with Hudson Valley on a rolling basis to restart the apprenticeship program that certifies their skills as a machinist.
“We are working to revitalize our apprenticeship program and this type of training fits right into our plans,” said Saez.
Hamilton said the 120 hours of intensive training over the past three weeks is similar to the lab time his first year students receive in the AMT degree program.
The Hudson Valley Community College Workforce Development Institute provides high-quality, reasonably-priced programs that meet the staff training needs of the business and industry communities, and the career-skills needs of individuals. WDI develops and teaches customized, client-specific training programs for staff and management, and provides industry-specific courses through open registration. Training is offered in traditional classroom, online and blended classroom+online formats and is also available on-site for business clients. Our fast-track training programs help individuals attain their career-path goals and help businesses maintain a competitive edge.
Published: Tue, 26 Jun 2018 18:59:41 +0000 by c.comiskey