Wor-Wic Community College Builds Workforce Facility from the Ground Up
Background
Wor-Wic Community College, which is located in Salisbury, Maryland, needed a new workforce facility. Local industry was suffering from a shortage of skilled workers and the college was keenly aware of its ability to help solve the problem.
Salisbury is a smaller city but has a diverse local industry and needed skilled employees from a variety of disciplines. Wor-Wic embarked on building a new trades focused facility that would house several labs with the ability to address the broad needs of the community all the while taking a nuanced approach that considered the school’s smaller student body size.
A Nontraditional Approach to Cross-Disciplinary Learning
Wor-Wic Community College faced a unique challenge due to its smaller class sizes, typically accommodating fewer than 20 students. To optimize resources and enhance the learning experience, the college adopted a nontraditional approach by creating lab spaces that could serve multiple disciplines simultaneously. This approach allowed students from different majors to take shared courses together. For instance, a computer science major and an HVAC major both needing to take an AC/DC course could do so in the same class, rather than in separate tracks.
To support this cross-disciplinary model, the college required flexible lab hours that could accommodate varying student schedules. Labs were made available throughout the day and evening, enabling students to attend sessions that fit their personal schedules. This flexibility was crucial for accommodating both credit programs and non-credit continuing education courses.
Wor-Wic needed modular labs with versatile equipment to support students from diverse fields such as electro-mechanical technologies, HVAC, and STEM. We installed a range of equipment, including large-scale and portable Amatrol electrical, mechanical, and alternative energy trainers covering solar, wind, and geothermal technologies. The Amatrol training systems and accompanying furniture were designed with mobility in mind, featuring wheels to easily reconfigure the lab space as needed. This setup ensured that the labs could effectively support multiple disciplines working concurrently, providing a dynamic and adaptable learning environment for all students.
Simulation Labs for Cost Savings and Safe Training
Wor-Wic invested heavily in simulation training equipment for its Welding and Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) programs.
Incorporating Miller welding simulation trainers into their welding program has significantly benefited the community college by enhancing student learning and proficiency. These advanced simulators provide a safe and controlled environment for students to practice and perfect their welding skills without the risks associated with traditional welding methods. As a result, students gain hands-on experience and confidence, leading to improved pass rates and job readiness. Additionally, the college has seen reduced material costs and increased efficiency in training, allowing more students to access high-quality education and prepare for successful careers in the welding industry.
Incorporating the CM Labs Vortex Edge HEO simulator into their HEO program has brought significant benefits to the community college by providing students with realistic and immersive training experiences. These simulators allow students to practice operating heavy machinery in a safe and controlled environment, minimizing the risks of accidents and equipment damage. As a result, students develop critical skills and confidence, leading to higher competency and job placement rates. Additionally, the college has experienced reduced wear and tear on actual equipment, lowering maintenance costs and allowing for more efficient and cost-effective training.
