Progress 07/01/04 to 07/01/05
Outputs
This report covers the first twelve month period of the proposal. To date most steps have been completed in the development of the Small Engines Training Academy. The majority of tools and equipment have been purchased, installed and utilized by students for at least one semester of instruction. Instructional materials have been aquired and included in the curriculum of related classes. Staff have attended industry training programs and the annual Engines & Equipment Training Council conference. Student instruction has been aligned with industry standards and industry certification tests.
PRODUCTS: The project has allowed for the development of a training lab that is equipped with the majority of the tools and equipment found in repair shops. The facility has been arranged for efficiency and instructional ease. A library of instructional materials has been assembled for student use in studying for class activities and for preparing for EETC certification tests. Class curriculums have been aligned with industry competencies and approved by community advisory committees. Industry networking has allowed for the acquisition of additional training materials and engines. Instructors have gained additional industry training and certification.
OUTCOMES: The first year of this project has resulted in the following outcomes. Enrollment in small engine related classes has increased due to the increased opportunities for students and the improved perception of the program. Forty-six students participated in industry sponsored workshops, internships or industry testing. Students in the entry level classes have expressed increased interest in completing the program and taking industry certification tests. Equipment aquired through the project has allowed students to experience procedures previously unavailable.
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Curriculum materials developed through this project have been shared with all vocational agriculture programs offering small enginges training in the SW Washington region. Information regarding the project, industry certification opportunities, and curriculum development have been shared through the Washington Association of Agriculture Educators (WAAE)summer conference. Instructors have also shared the concepts of this project with other educators at industry training schools.
FUTURE INITIATIVES: In the remaining six months of the project, the remaining tools and equipment will be purchased and installed. Additional classes and curriculum will be made available to students during the school year starting Sept. 2005. Opportunities for students to operate and service small engines will be enhaced through a new class offering. Partnerships will be developed with additional industry members. An additional opportunity for faculty training has been approved. Opportunities for student training at industry facilities has been arranged.
Impacts
Safe, efficient, industry level training facilities have become available to students. Increased numbers of classes are being offered. Increased numbers of students will be enrolled in small engines classes in the coming year. Communication has been established between industry and the training academy. Faculty have gained knowledge and experience in a variety of topics. The career area of Small Engine Technology has gained a more positive image by the public in the community. Community members look to the academy as a place where students are gaining real life experience on their way to entering careers. Educational administrators are gaining a respect for the program and its need in the community.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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