On December 16th, a group of pre-apprentices from Blackhawk High School experienced an engaging and educational hands-on technical training day at the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC). These students, selected by their teacher Tim Linkenheimer, for their interest and aptitude, delved into the world of electricity and mechatronics through an action-packed agenda designed to inspire and educate.
Morning Sessions: Exploring the Basics of Electricity
The day kicked off with a warm welcome at CCBC, where students received safety glasses before embarking on a tour of the Process Technology and Mechatronics labs. This introduction highlighted the cutting-edge equipment and future career pathways in PTEC and Mechatronics.
The students then attended a session titled “Electricity: What Is It and How to Create It”, covering fundamental concepts such as generating electricity through friction, magnetism, and chemical reactions. They built chemical voltage cells, connected them in series to form a battery, and explored energy storage using a super capacitor—a thrilling, hands-on experience that illuminated core electrical concepts.
Interactive Demonstrations: From Generators to 3D Design
The excitement continued with a visit to a Van de Graaff generator, where students witnessed static electricity in action. This was followed by a demonstration using hand-crank generators, deepening their understanding of mechanical electricity generation.
Next, they headed to a computer lab where they learned about additive manufacturing using TinkerCAD. Each student designed appliance attachments for a hand-crank generator and prepared files for 3D printing—merging creativity with technical skill.
Afternoon Sessions: Assembling and Applying Knowledge
After lunch, students rolled up their sleeves for a final project: assembling a functioning hand-crank generator. They cut and prepared ribbon cables, attached wires to LED lights, and integrated 3D-printed components they designed earlier. This exercise reinforced concepts of energy creation, storage, and sustainability, sparking discussions about renewable energy sources.
Reflections and Takeaways
The day concluded with a reflective wrap-up session where students shared their key takeaways. Many expressed newfound enthusiasm for technical careers in electricity, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
About the IMT Pre-Apprenticeship Program
The training day also highlighted opportunities within the Industrial Maintenance Technician (IMT) Pre-Apprenticeship Program. This program prepares students with essential skills in advanced manufacturing, combining online industry content with real-world technical experience. To learn more about this exciting career development opportunity, visit the IMT Pre-Apprenticeship Program webpage.
This hands-on training day at CCBC was an inspiring experience, equipping Blackhawk High School pre-apprentices with practical skills, technical knowledge, and a clearer vision of potential career paths. It was a testament to the power of experiential learning and collaboration between educational institutions.
Check out some photos from the day below 📸
