L-R Benjamin Sandusky (Mechatronics), Parker Metcalf (Mechatronics), Ryu Sindberg (Engineering), and Wiregrass Mechatronics Instructor/Assistant Dean for Technical and Industrial Programs Joshua Whittington. Not pictured is Joseph Gaudette (Mechatronics).
Blue Triton uses the blow mold simulator created by Wiregrass Mechatronics students as a teaching tool for new employees.
Valdosta, GA – The mission of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is simple: Workforce Development. Through the college’s rigorous curriculum, hands-on training, and SkillsUSA chapter, students gain valuable, real-world experience. Three students from the Mechatronic Technology Degree Program and one from the Engineering Technology Degree Program worked as a team to build a Blow Mold Trainer for Blue Triton (Former Nestle) in Lee, Florida. As a senior capstone project, Mechatronics Instructor/Assistant Dean for Technical and Industrial Programs Joshua Whittington invited Blue Triton Operations Manager Dennis Taylor to discuss some project ideas the company had with the students. As part of their senior capstone project, students worked as a team to design a simulator to meet the needs of the operation. After researching the costs, materials, and design, the Wiregrass seniors pitched their presentation to the company, who approved the plans and provided the materials. The project took nine weeks to design and construct. The simulator, which is now being used at the Blue Triton plant, is designed to help new employees learn how to use the Blow Molds that create the water bottles manufactured. The employees can get plenty of practice time without slowing down production on the line; therefore, saving the company time and money. “This by far is the largest capstone project we have done,” shared Joshua Whittington, “It was fascinating watching these students as my role was to be a sounding board, this was 100% their project.”
Students who worked on the project were Benjamin Sandusky (Mechatronics), Parker Metcalf (Mechatronics), Joseph Gaudette (Mechatronics), and Ryu Sindberg (Engineering). They simultaneously worked on the project and trained for the Mechatronics Contest at the 2021 SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference. The team won gold and advanced to the 2021 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. This required additional training, giving them more real-world experience. The team took home the gold medal at the 2021 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.
“Wiregrass is excited to be able to work with an industry like Blue Triton,” shared President DeAnnia Clements. “The experience our students have gained is enormous and something they will be able to have on their resume for years.”
The Mechatronics program is offered as an Associated Degree and Technical Certificate of Credit. Mechatronics is also offered at several local high schools as Dual Enrollment classes. The program teaches skills in several areas of industrial maintenance including electronics, industrial wiring, motors, controls, PLC’s instrumentation, fluid power, mechanical, pumps and piping, and computers.
Similar programs offered at Wiregrass include Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Degree, Engineering Technology Degree, and an online Computer Engineering Technical Certificate of Credit. The Engineering Technology Degree offers students an opportunity to qualify as engineering technicians with a specialization in mechanical engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, or industrial engineering technology.
Graduates from Mechatronics and Engineering programs are getting hired by local manufacturers in careers such as maintenance technicians, electrical technicians, engineering technicians, automation technicians, and robotics technicians. “Many of our students are seeking to continue their education at a 4-year institution after they finish the program,” shared Joshua Whittington. “These students are gaining valuable technical skills before pursuing an engineering degree that focuses more on theory.” Wiregrass has an articulation agreement with Valdosta State University where Associates of Applied Science in Engineering Technology graduates can transfer to Valdosta State to complete a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology.
The college has several new programs beginning in 2022: Civil Engineering Technology, iOS App Development in Swift, and Social Media Specialist. To apply or learn more visit https://www.wiregrass.edu.
