Engineering students at OHS could soon benefit from a new, state of the art laboratory.
Mr. Shepard, engineering teacher, said it would assist Warriors in many ways. “I believe this will assist the students by opening more doors for job opportunities, because the same equipment that is used in industry the students will be using in the program and earning industry certifications on. In addition it will give the students the knowledge of how real world projects and tasks work, and (it) is good when applying for colleges or employment to use the program as a reference. A new lab could also enable them to get internships over summer.”
Right now, Mr. Shepard is trying to raise money to pay for the upgrade and he has a promising start. “I am anticipating in developing a large group of local businesses to sponsor the 2 FESTO Labs, iCIM 3000 and the AFB Training Factory.”
Next on the agenda is a business plan and proposal to seek sponsorship from area businesses and corporations. He’ll also apply for federal grants to get money for the new lab.
He wants the new lab to better prepare the students for the future. And according to Mr. Shepard, the technology the students are using now is almost 7 years old.