At the New Castle Career Center (NCCC), the engineering careers program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in various engineering fields, including robotics, motorsports, architecture, and aerospace.
“Engineers play a key role in shaping our future,” noted program Instructor Jason McCutchan. “Because engineering is a field that has a wide reach, it is important to have both men and women engineers at the forefront of innovation as new technologies emerge.”
At NCCC, Engineering Careers students learn the design process and explore various technical drawings. Through hands-on experience with AutoCAD programs, they develop and precisely document product designs. Utilizing appropriate modeling materials, they construct physical prototypes to bring their designs to life. Additionally, they gain insights into manufacturing processes and automation functions, including pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, PLCs, and robotics. This program equips students with an interest and understanding of science, physics, materials, mathematics, and engineering principles.
Over the past five years, the program has received corporate grants to aid student projects and procure shop equipment, equipping students to participate in robotics and motorsports competitions and earn Indiana Awards of Excellence. Throughout the school year, students take field trips to manufacturing and engineering-related conventions, local businesses and factories, and engineering programs at area colleges and universities. These experiences help them gain valuable exposure to real-world applications of their studies.
Josceline Grandy: Breaking Barriers as a Female Engineering Student
Josceline Grandy, a high school senior, knew she wanted to be an engineer a few years ago. To broaden her educational horizons beyond high school, kick-start her higher education, and acquire practical experience, she enrolled in NCCC's engineering program. She was the only female student in her first-year engineering class. While navigating the social complexities of being the sole female in the program, Josceline found support from friends she had coming into the program.
First-year instructor, Mr. Allen, helped her get off to a strong start: “Mr. Allen put so much effort into making sure I had what I needed to learn. I was the only student in my class interested in architecture and he wanted to make sure he gave as much attention to these fields as he did to the more popular fields of engineering. Even after his retirement, his teaching and encouragement still inspire me."
Taking the program has allowed Josceline to develop skills that set her apart from other students. She says, "I gained professional drawing skills, learned to design parts and assemblies for manufacturing, and discovered how to bring my designs to life."
Her current instructor, Mr. McCutchan, notes that Josceline is an excellent student, “She is always punctual and ready for class, and her CAD designs have been very well done. She has experience doing freelance CAD designs for clients beyond the classroom. She is planning to attend college in either Civil Engineering or Architecture. She is a great role model to other underclass women who are inspired to be in the Engineering program.”
Josceline has already completed one of her big goals, which was to design a building for a real client.
“It was definitely a challenge, but I learned so much from the experience which made it worthwhile,” she expressed. “I am also completing another major goal which is working as an engineering intern. I am currently doing work-based learning and am employed by a private company, which I hope will teach me more as well.”
For more information about the engineering careers program and other programs available through the New Castle Career Center, visit nccareercenter.org.