Upgrading the Electrical Training Lab at Arlington Career Center

Background

The Arlington Career Center in Virginia recognized the need to update its Electrical Training Lab to provide students with access to modern equipment and enhance their learning experience. Rather than a full lab renovation, the focus was on updating existing equipment to better align with current industry standards and teaching goals.

Implementation

Our team began the project by meeting with the Electrical Training Lab instructor to discuss his specific needs and objectives. Through these discussions, we identified the training equipment that would best support his teaching goals and improve the overall quality of the lab. The selected equipment included:

• DAC Motor Control Trainer
• DAC Electricity Trainer
• Amatrol Controls Training System
• Amatrol Alternative Energy Training System

Securing the necessary funding for the lab upgrades was a critical step in the process. Fortunately, the instructor was able to obtain grant funding to cover the costs of the new equipment.

Coordination and Installation

With the funding secured, we coordinated the procurement and delivery of the equipment to ensure a smooth and timely process. Our team then installed the new training systems, integrating them seamlessly with the existing lab setup.

Training and Curriculum Integration

To maximize the effectiveness of the new equipment, we provided comprehensive training for the instructor. This training covered:

• Equipment Operation: Detailed instructions on how to use each piece of equipment, ensuring the instructor was confident in operating the new systems.
• Teaching Methods: Strategies for incorporating the equipment into the existing curriculum, enhancing the hands-on learning experience for students.
• Curriculum Training: Guidance on utilizing the accompanying curriculum materials provided by the equipment manufacturers, aligning them with the instructor’s teaching goals.

Outcome

The upgrade of the Electrical Training Lab at Arlington Career Center resulted in several significant benefits:

• Enhanced Learning Experience: The new equipment provided students with practical, hands-on training using state-of-the-art systems, better preparing them for careers in the electrical industry.
• Improved Teaching Tools: The instructor now had access to advanced training systems that supported his teaching objectives and allowed for more effective instruction.
• Alignment with Industry Standards: The updated lab equipment ensured that the training provided was in line with current industry practices, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.

By focusing on targeted equipment updates rather than a full renovation, the Arlington Career Center was able to significantly enhance its Electrical Training Lab in a cost-effective manner. The successful collaboration between our team and the instructor resulted in a modernized lab that meets the needs of both students and educators, ultimately contributing to the center’s mission of providing high-quality technical education.