IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing
Are your Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs preparing your students for the highly-skilled, high-paying jobs available throughout industry today? IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing combines self-directed eLearning with real-world equipment to teach students the hands-on, transferable skills industry needs.
IGNITE: MASTERING MANUFACTURING
Preparing Students for a Bright Future
Advanced materials, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and other Industry 4.0 technologies have created many new exciting career opportunities, but also require a new set of knowledge and abilities. Individuals in today’s world must possess state-of-the-art technical skills, systems optimization skills, and employability skills, such as teamwork.
SPARK A PASSION FOR LEARNING
Thanks to funding by the Department of Defense, the Manufacturing USA Institutes developed a competency model foundation for the “multi-skilled technician” needed in today’s manufacturing workplace. That model has been translated to an educational pathway that recognizes the next generation of manufacturing technical workforce must, in fact, be a workforce of high-skilled technicians who:
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Possess knowledge, skills, and abilities
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Understand materials science
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Optimize manufacturing technologies, processes, and systems
Due in part to varying employment needs, significant challenges await manufacturers who need workers with “up-scaled” knowledge and skills, known as advanced manufacturing. The requirements mean the U.S. has to teach and train our next generation of manufacturers differently.
Many educational institutions have intensified their efforts to dedicate more resources to teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. However, teaching STEM subjects alone is not enough. Educators must align programs with the needs of the evolving workplace to produce students prepared for the technical and technology-driven jobs available throughout industry today.
CAREER EXPLORATION & SKILL DEVELOPMENT
IGNITE is a foundational skill development program designed to stimulate student interest in today’s Advanced Manufacturing / Industry 4.0 careers. Students learn about the many careers and experience them firsthand by performing tasks with hands-on Industry 4.0 / IIoT technology and virtual environments.
IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing was developed in collaboration with three Manufacturing USA Institutes (LIFT, America Makes, and MxD) to ensure that students interested in a rewarding career in modern industry can make an immediate contribution in the workplace. The IGNITE curriculum is the perfect blend of career exploration, creative learning, and skill development. IGNITE establishes critical skills in systems-thinking and team problem-solving through creative project-based learning activities and a structured curriculum.
IGNITE | PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Using IGNITE, students will be exposed to a variety of industries and technologies. The student goals of the program include:
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Inspiration: Inspire today’s students to consider a rewarding career in advance manufacturing
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College Credit: Get a jumpstart on postsecondary education by earning college credits
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Career Exploration: Explore jobs from product design to product fabrication and everything in between
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Industry-Recognized Certifications: Aligns with industry-recognized 3rd party occupational certifications, including SACA and MSSC
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Preparation for Smart Factories: Preparation for Smart Factory technology, including Industry 4.0 & IIoT
IGNITE’s innovative curriculum supports a modular 6-course Advanced Manufacturing program, with additional materials science activities for science courses. Each course can be completed in one semester, providing flexibility for 1-, 2, or 3-year programs. All IGNITE courses include stimulating interactive eLearning lessons, computer simulations, design projects, and hands-on workstations using Industry 4.0 technologies.
Students begin with foundational topics, such as safety, measurement, hand tools, print reading, and materials science. They then move on to learn relevant knowledge and hands-on skills related to a wide variety of topics essential in modern industry, including: AC/DC electricity; fluid power; machine tools; mechanical drives; electrical relay control; computer-aided design and manufacturing; CNC machine operation and programming; materials engineering; electrical fabrication; plastics and mold design; welding; and lean manufacturing.
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM | eLEARNING & VIRTUAL TRAINERS
To engage and reach students with a variety of learning styles, IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing features a robust combination of learning methods to provide an outstanding learning experience that includes both comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on skills valuable throughout industry. Examples include:
eLearning
The IGNITE eLearning curriculum offers flexible, self-directed technical training with comprehensive content and exceptional interactivity for practical skill development. It features a highly-interactive, multimedia format that includes stunning 3D graphics and videos, voiceovers of all text, and interactive exercises designed to appeal to learners with different learning styles.
The eLearning courses take deep dives into:
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Technical Skills: Learning Industry 4.0 technical skills becomes an energizing experiences for students with IGNITE’s state-of-the-art interactive multimedia curriculum.
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Employability Skills: IGNITE’s courses include eLearning lessons that teach employability skills — such as teamwork, communication, and professionalism — which are essential to workplace success.
To help instructor’s gauge student comprehension and engagement, the curriculum also includes assessment quizzes, as well as classroom-based skills assessment via Amatrol’s exclusive Skill Boss Manufacturing performance assessment tool. To learn more about interactive eLearning, click here.
Virtual Trainers
The IGNITE curriculum features Virtual Trainers, which are simulators embedded in eLearning lessons to provide online skill practice. They replicate hands-on equipment in such great detail that learners will feel like they are using the actual equipment as they perform the industry-based tasks. Learners perform essentially the same jobs using virtual trainers that they would using the hands-on systems, bringing industrial realism to online learning. Amatrol’s Virtual Trainers:
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Build essential skills without access to actual equipment — Ideal for distance learning!
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Exist in open workspace — Not forced along predetermined steps
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Reduce hands-on time with equipment to complete skill mastery
To learn more about hands-on Virtual Trainers, click here.
PROJECT-BASED LEARNING | TEAM PROJECTS & MINI-PROJECTS
As students progress through each IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing course, they will also work in teams on exciting team-based projects and mini-projects using industry-specific new and emerging technologies and equipment to solve real-world problems. Through each project, teams will research ideas, develop multiple solutions, analyze and select the best solution, build a prototype, and evaluate their results.
The projects also provide students with an additional opportunity to learn and practice common employability skills. These skills are foundational to success in the workplace regardless of a person’s career field or professional position. They include competencies such as communications skills, the ability to work on a team, and problem solving.
Team-Based Projects:
IGNITE students apply their technical and employability skills to real-world problems through fun, creative team-based thematic projects where students design, fabricate, and analyze working prototype devices.
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Solar-Powered Fuel Cell
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Hovercraft
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Automatic-Controlled Hydroponic Garden
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Ergonomic Workstation
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Automated Can Crusher
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Smart House Control System
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Solar-Powered Clean Water & Power
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Drone Delivery Service
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Production Cell with Secured Networks
Mini-Projects:
Mini-Projects are embedded throughout the hands-on workstation activities to engage students and reinforce concepts. Mini-Projects are individual hands-on projects that focus on a specific technology.
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Easy Rider Computer Workstation
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Bagel Dough Mixing Machine
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Make A Statement With Logos
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Shoe Design & House Design Challenge
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Lightweight And Safer Cars
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Stealth Toy Design
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Couch Potato Paradise
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Pizza Oven Door Control
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Fastest Most Accurate Material Handling System
HANDS-ON SKILLS | REAL INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
IGNITE features hands-on workstations with state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the Industrial Internet of Things, smart sensors, and Additive Manufacturing. Students safely master industry-relevant technical skills using IGNITE’s detailed, step-by-step curriculum.
These hands-on training systems, which are designed by engineers and subject-matter experts and hand-crafted, assembled, welded, wired, and painted at Amatrol’s facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana, are loaded with real-world, industrial components to enable students to practice on the type of equipment they will encounter on the job. These heavy-duty systems stand up to frequent use by inexperienced users.
TURNKEY INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT | ONLINE OCURSE MANAGMENT
IGNITE is a turnkey system with extensive instructor resources and support. IGNITE instructor guides and program evaluation guides provide class schedules, syllabi, teaching tips, classroom management methods, and assessment rubrics. The program also offers comprehensive teacher professional development taught through a series of week-long instructor classes taught by master instructors.
Thanks to the ability to access eLearning courses online through Amatrol’s powerful Learning Management System (LMS), IGNITE students can learn anywhere, anytime they can connect to the Internet. Learners can even practice their hands-on skills, making IGNITE the perfect solution for remote learning. Amatrol’s LMS provides a highly flexible assessment with pre-tests, post-tests, and hands-on skill assessment tracking. The LMS also includes a student diagnostic tool that creates customized student learning plans.
Additional Resources:
For additional resources on how IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing can revolutionize your training program, check out the following articles:
IGNITE Course 1
Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing
Introduces fundamental concepts in advanced manufacturing, design to ignite interest and develop basic skills. Technical Highlights: Smart Automation, CNC, Robotics, CAD, Additive Manufacturing, and Safety.
96-CAD1B
Computer Aided Design (CAD) 1 - SolidWorks introduces solid molding by describing the function of solid modeling software and the features of solid modeling.
990-MES1
Amatrol’s 990-MES1 introduces the fundamental principles of measurement including basic measurement, precision measurement, direct gauging, indirect gauging, and dimensional measurements using both the U.S. customary system as well as S.I. metric system.
95-MSB1 / 95-MSB2AB
Amatrol’s Skill Boss Manufacturing (95-MSB1 / 95-MSB2AB) offers organizations performance-based assessment for evaluating the skill levels and competencies of future machine operators.
990-EC1
Amatrol’s Portable Electric Relay Control Training System (990-EC1) teaches electric relay control concepts and hands-on skills in a highly-durable, easily-portable learning system.
96-ROB1A
Amatrol’s Robotics 1 Learning System (96-ROB1A) teaches articulated arm servo robotics and how it’s applied in industrial tasks like assembly, material handling, and inspection.
990-ACDC1
Amatrol’s Portable AC/DC Electrical Learning System (990-ACDC1) teaches the fundamentals of AC and DC electrical systems used for power and control in industrial, commercial, agricultural, and residential applications.
990-PN1
Amatrol’s Portable Pneumatics Learning System (990-PN1) teaches basic and intermediate pneumatic concepts.
IGNITE Course 2
Introduction to Systems
Projects applying team concepts and problem solving to basic systems. Expands on Course 1 technical topics in Smart Automation.
In addition to the types of equipment used in Course 1, Course 2 (Introduction to Systems) also uses the following equipment:
990-SN1
Amatrol’s Portable Electronic Sensor Training System (990-SN1) teaches the operation of electronic, non-contact sensors and their applications in industry, such as sensing movement, detecting metal from non-metal, and determining speed.
IGNITE Course 3
Mechatronics Systems
Projects in mechatronic systems combining computer-based controllers with electrical, mechanical, and fluid technologies. Introduces Programmable Controller (PLC) programming and applications.
In addition to the types of equipment used in Courses 1 and 2, Course 3 also uses the following equipment:
990-BH1
Amatrol’s Portable Basic Hydraulics Training System (990-BH1) allows learners to gain skills by studying topics like basic hydraulic circuits, pressure control circuits, hydraulic schematics, and sequence valves.
87-TMS1
Amatrol’s Inventory Feeding Station (87-TMS1) is a portable, affordable mechatronics option that covers the vital industrial skill of automated control training to move parts from point to point.
87-TMS2
Amatrol’s Inspection Station – Tabletop Mechatronics (87-TMS2) is an electrically-powered training system that focuses on the automated process of inspecting and indexing parts before they move to the next step in the advanced manufacturing process.
87-TMS3
Amatrol’s Sorting and Distribution Station (87-TMS3) teaches about robot-based inventory systems, which provide orderly and logical storage of materials.
IGNITE Course 4
Digital Manufacturing Systems
Projects in Digital Enterprise Systems combining PLCs, Robotics, and Cloud Technologies. Introduces Networking, CAM, Cloud-Based Data Collection, and Lean Manufacturing.
In addition to the types of equipment used in Courses 1, 2, and 3, Course 4 also uses the following equipment:
96-PNE1
Amatrol’s high school pneumatics training system (96-PNE1) teaches learners how to operate and install basic pneumatic systems, analyze performance, and design basic pneumatic circuits.
96-HYD1
96-HYD1 introduces industry-relevant hydraulic skills while showing how they apply to fundamental hydraulic principles, such as pressure and flow; this signature Amatrol approach to curriculum reinforces both theory and practice to produce a well-rounded understanding of the topic.
96-CAM1
Amatrol’s Computer-Aided Manufacturing 1 Learning System (96-CAM1) teaches learners the fundamentals of part design and development using Mastercam software. Mastercam allows learners to design and draw complex shapes and parts on a computer.
870-PTAB82
Amatrol’s Tabletop Mechatronics is a portable, durable, affordable learning system that forms a fully automated line to teach real-world Mechatronics skills.
87-TENAB82
Includes a 24-port unmanaged and 8-port managed Ethernet switch to cover industrial networks, Ethernet IP addresses, network performance, managed switch Ethernet, and switch diagnostics.
87-TMS4
Amatrol’s Servo Robot Station for Tabletop Mechatronics (87-TMS4) provides robot integration for Table Top Mechatronics with the Pegasus servo robot mounted on a traverse.
IGNITE Course 5
Advanced Materials & Design
A capstone course that deepens technical skills in advanced manufacturing processes, materials, and design while completing an advanced team project. Features CAD/CAM, CNC, welding, plastics, and materials engineering.
In addition to the types of equipment used in Courses 1-4, Course 5 also uses the following equipment:
96-CNC1D and 96-CNC2D
Amatrol’s CNC Machines 1 and 2 Learning Systems (96-CNC1D and 96-CNC2D) cover how to operate a CNC milling machine and how to develop basic programs that will run the machine.
96-MT1
Material strength properties affect the performance and safety of almost every product made. As technology has advanced, material choices have broadened and become more complex.
950-WT1
Welding plays a critical role throughout our economy. It is central to many industries including manufacturing, construction, and aerospace to name only a few.
IGNITE Course 6
IIoT, Data Analytics, & Networking
A capstone course that enriches technical skills in Industry 4.0 systems and the Industrial Internet of Things using managed networks, data analytics software, cybersecurity, variable frequency drives, RFID, barcode, and smart sensors.
In addition to the types of equipment used in Courses 1-5, Course 6 also uses the following equipment:
