By Lindsey Luker
Published on January 30, 2008
All humans feel the need to be creative. Unfortunately, creativity does not always equal productivity. The idea of creating something that a person can be proud of is exciting, to say the least. Add to that notion the thought of a great career opportunity and it becomes something worth checking into.
Mechanical Design and Fabrication is a recently revamped program at the Pensacola PJC campus. Located in Building 18, this hands-on program is the perfect mixture of creativity, functionality and promise.
“What you create is only limited by your imagination,” Program Coordinator Mike Cannon said.
The classroom setting includes short lectures with plenty of hands-on instruction and demonstration.
High-quality machines such as the HAAS VF 2 (as seen on American Chopper) are used in the shop. The program is ideal for those interested in fabricating machine parts for automobiles, motorcycles and even aircrafts. Computer-aided drafting and welding are also taught in the program.
Artistic talent thrives here as students create functional art pieces. Some of these pieces include: graphic signs, clocks, furniture, even writing pens. Any medium short of granite is able to be cut into a work of art. However, water-cutting technology is in the works.
High-tech computer software is one of the perks to the program. One newly-added software program, MasterCam, is able to scan a drawing and transform it into a 3D image. The image is then cut out in 3D form by a machine.
In addition to the two-year degree, students will learn the skills necessary to run their own business in the fabrication career field.
“We stress entrepreneurship,” Cannon said.
Student Matt Bingham is currently enrolled in the program. He is a prime example of how the skills learned in the program can lead to an independent career. Bingham has created and marketed his own style of pegs for BMX bikes.
“I do all of my prototyping here in the shop,” Bingham said.
Bingham’s online company, Grim Bikes (www.grimbikes.com) sells Grim Flat Pegs made from high-impact plastic.
Courses for the Mechanical Design and Fabrication program are offered for all terms except summer. Cannon assures students that the program is top-notch.
“We have set the standard for computerized machining in Mechanical Design and Fabrication for community colleges in the state of Florida,” he said.