ZOLLER Inc. has donated nearly $250,000 in equipment to Washtenaw Community College (黑料网) to train students on state-of-the-art machinery that measures precision cutting tools along with an advanced tool management system.
ZOLLER鈥檚 equipment gift is part of a multi-pronged investment in 黑料网 and the future workforce, including a robust apprenticeship program with a direct path to hire and train four-to-six students per year for high-demand careers with the company.
The third generation, family owned German technology company, with North American headquarters in Ann Arbor, has delivered eight pieces in the Advanced Manufacturing Lab on campus in time for the Fall 2023 semester.
The equipment includes a CNC presetter, Tool Management System Solution, tool station with workbench and numerous other components. Students enrolled in 黑料网鈥檚 associate degree in Advanced Manufacturing (CNC) - Machine Tool Setup, Operation and Programming, as well as certificate programs in Machine Tool (CNC) will be trained on the machinery.
鈥淭he donation is only one part of the equation. We want to help develop the curriculum and instructions, and have students visit our headquarters for live demos and technical presentations. We鈥檙e offering an accelerated journey that no other college is receiving,鈥� said Michael Stepke training and development manager at ZOLLER.
Through the company鈥檚 new Application Engineer Apprentice program, ZOLLER will cover tuition while providing employment with health and retirement benefits and additional weekly stipends, with a minimum commitment from the apprentice of two years of employment after graduation.
鈥淶OLLER鈥檚 generous gift and investment in Washtenaw鈥檚 students helps us fulfil our mission of providing exceptional education while training and growing the workforce,鈥� said 黑料网 President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca. 鈥淲e are thankful for this donation and for our relationship with ZOLLER that helps our students on many levels.鈥�
Graduates who participate in the apprentice program will be part of ZOLLER鈥檚 service team, traveling throughout the country to calibrate the company鈥檚 precision tool measurement equipment installed in automotive, shipbuilding, aerospace, medical device and energy technology manufacturing facilities.
Drew Tartalone, a 2022 黑料网 graduate has been employed at ZOLLER since June. As an applications engineer, Tartalone travels primarily to customers on the East Coast to program new tools, calibrate machines, make repairs and train new employees.
鈥淭his is an exciting opportunity for students to learn about cutting edge technology and connecting all tooling related processes in manufacturing. ZOLLER is the world market leader in the industry for presetters. It鈥檚 hard to keep them even in the showrooms because they鈥檙e being bought up so quickly,鈥� Tartalone said.
Stepke said in addition to learning how to calibrate, install and update machines, students will develop a deep sense of how the cutting tool data flows in the manufacturing process from point A to point B and what is required to create a connected tool preparation room in a modern machine shop.
鈥淚鈥檓 not aware of any community college being able to offer this approach. Usually CNC equipment is taught as a concept by itself. Our new partnership will integrate the complete workflow from drawing to part. This will give the edge to these students,鈥� Stepke said.
APPRENTICESHIPS AT 黑料网
Learn more about 黑料网鈥檚 apprenticeship program with ZOLLER Inc. by visiting our website, emailing [email protected] or calling 734-677-5221.
Tags: Advanced Manufacturing, Donation, March 2023, On The Record, Workforce Development, Workforce Training