What do you instinctively think the job market will look like in 20 years? Based on current trends, you’re likely thinking more software, cloud storage, automation, 3D printing, robots, drones, medical advances, data, virtual reality, and energy efficiency. STEM jobs become more valuable if that is the case, and it is. Seventy-five percent of the fastest growing occupations are science- and math-based. In 2016, the U.S. already had 1.9 engineering jobs available for each 1 qualified engineer.
As the processes that run the world become more precise, it is all the more important that the professionals managing those processes understand the guiding principles of science and math. Unfortunately, the foundation for engineering is usually put off until college. The growing deficiency is a challenge for engineering firms who would ideally prefer homegrown talent with cheaper recruitment. It is also an opportunity for a secure future for the next generation of young professionals.
At INTUITIVE, we want Huntsville/Madison County students to understand that this city holds opportunities for them. We want to give them a head start. So, last year we partnered with the Madison County School System to design and implement a curriculum focused on electrical engineering and mechanical engineering disciplines. The program was extremely successful in its first year, and response from the students was extremely positive. Madison County High School Class of 2018 graduate, Timmy Snopl, commented, “These engineering courses really opened my eyes to what a career in engineering might be like. It gave me a chance to understand the basics of mechanical and electrical engineering before going starting college. These courses helped me in choosing my field of study and I am thankful for the experiences these courses provided me.”
Our engineers work alongside the teaching staff at Madison County High School to ensure the curriculum is accurate and engaging for the students. Several of our engineers serve as mentors and regularly visit the classroom.
The courses for the 2019 school year are already full and we have several new projects and topics to implement this year. The first of two 9-week courses will start in August. Students will meet each week day for 85 minutes. The same group of students will take both courses successively. To eliminate the most common hurdles to these kinds of courses, we are providing the hardware and software needed: computers, tools, 3D printer, and software subscriptions (not to mention professional mentors).
Electrical Engineering
This course focuses on Printed Circuit Board Design (PCB Design. Students will explore all the basic design aspects of the PCB Design and learn how to create printed circuit boards in the DipTrace design suite starting with the beginning design stages to the final exporting of manufacturing files. Each course section will be based on a DipTrace software module, which corresponds to a particular stage of the PCB design. Students will be required to perform several practical tasks to ensure a full understanding of described processes and features. Each lesson is connected with theoretical subsections.
Mechanical Engineering
This course will guide students through the basic design processes used by Mechanical Engineers in a professional design environment. Students will understand basic principles of proper drafting strategy, prototype mockup, and 3D modeling skills within SolidWorks Design Software. As students’ progress through the course, they will gain competence in various modeling strategies such as cuts/extrudes, fillets and chamfers, Sketch-context feature definition, sheet metal design, and advanced assembly creation.
Our Senior Vice President, Donna Meadows, stated, “We believe that earlier exposure to these principles, outcomes and software programs will demystify engineering fields, opening minds to these growing opportunities. We are working with the Madison County School System to expand this program to other high schools and age groups.” The future is bright for our local students, and INTUITIVE can’t wait to help them illuminate their potential in these critical STEM fields.