math, measurement, and the science of cutting. He mastered technical terminology and writing so he can communicate clearly about the machining process and his work assign- ments. At home, he studied the different parts of machine tools and feed mills—and wrote reports and research papers on industrial subjects. Every month while he was at
Platt, Hudson had two weeks of academic classes followed by two weeks of working six hours daily in the machine shop. He also apprenticed part-time in a local machine shop, where he earned academic credit and a wage. In his senior year, Hudson and other students did production work for out- side customers using Platt’s facilities. As part of his train- ing, Hudson earned machining credentials from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills which tell any prospective employer what skills he has; i.e., what he can do.
To qualify, all machining students in Connecticut took an on- line examination. Hudson scored No. 1 in the state and eight other runner-ups were invited to compete nationally. Of the nine Connecticut students that went to the national in Kansas City, two were from Platt’s Manufacturing Program, which is a tribute to David Tuttle’s teaching. Tuttle says that he did not coach Hudson for the national competition. Platt’s Manufacturing Technology program and four years of part-time work experience had taught Hudson what he needed to know. In Kansas City, all 50 competitors— one from each state—made the same part. The judges gave Hudson blueprints, which he read, analyzed, made calcula- tions for, and wrote G code.
Hudson next set up the Haas CNC Machining Center and a judge actually made the part. Hudson deburred and inspected his part before handing it off to the judges who had been observing his work procedures and attention to safety. “It’s a very demanding competition,” says Tuttle. “You could see the stress on the students’ faces.”
Success has inspired Jacob Hudson to raise his sights. He graduated from Platt in June of 2012 and is now enrolled at Housatonic Community College (Bridgeport, CT) where he
Precision Machining Technology contestants face a series of skills challenges, including manual machining.
The annual SkillsUSA competition begins at the state level.
is learning new things like Lean Manufacturing. He’s already taken giant steps on the road to success and will surely con- tinue his winning ways. Tuttle turns out students like Jacob Hudson and other state-wide winners because he’s an inspiring, no-nonsense teacher who demands the best—and gets it. Tuttle teaches state-of-the-art technology and gives students plenty of hands- on experience. “We’re not a 1970s shop,” he says. “My students understand exactly what happens when material is machined. They can make intelligent material choices and troubleshoot machining centers.”
There are 96 young men and women in the Manufactur-
ing Technology program and every one of them completes the four-year course, says Tuttle. Once they graduate, roughly 80% are snatched up by eager employers. The others join the military or, like Hudson, enter community college. ME
Victor M. Cassidy is a long-time industrial journalist with a special interest in manufacturing. He has written for Specifying Engineer, Modern Metals, Allen-Bradley Journal, and many other periodicals.
May 2013 |
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