The creation of cutting edge technology requires a workforce that is highly skilled, and technically educated. Recognizing this, a unique partnership was formed between Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Chabot-Las Positas Community College District to support manufacturing technology education and industry. The creation of the East Bay Collaboration of Flexible Manufacturing, under a mutual Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will serve as a catalyst for systemic improvement in technology, science, math, and engineering education that will ensure that a highly skilled, technically literate, and diverse workforce for the next millennium.

Enhanced machinist and technologist training are the immediate programs being developed by the Collaboration. Forming a critical link between centers of learning and centers of industry will truly “make a difference” in preparing and sustaining the work force needed to secure the area’s economic health for today and for the years ahead.

To ensure that these programs meet the critical workforce training needs of employers, meetings with industrial partners are being included in all phases of development. This allows a unique combination of training and education providers, local high-technology industries, and national laboratories, in near proximity, to develop a new paradigm that draws their creative strengths together. This also optimizes resources, in this time of declining funding availability, and provides a teamed effort to better meet the employer and trainee needs while enhancing the existing organizations and community vitality.

Great strides have been made in developing enhanced curriculum and identifying critical machine tools needed to strengthen the current programs being offered at the College District’s two campuses. An advisory committee comprised of representatives of the College District, LLNL, and local partners joined forces to work together on these efforts. With the front-end involvement of industry, the training being delivered will meet the needs of both the employer and the trainee.

Machining equipment, much needed by the College, has been made available to provide students with essential hands-on experience while preparing them for the current high-tech workplace. With the support of the LLNL’s Small Business Initiative Program, the lab has been able to identify excess equipment at their site, which has now been transferred, installed, and calibrated by LLNL technologists. Discussions are currently underway with other industrial partners which are expected to lead to the availability of additional equipment.

Cooperative linkages to K-12 institutions are also being made. Initially, one of the remaining local high school machine shop programs will serve as a pilot to prepare students for advanced education in the Collaboration after graduation.

Story provided by Linda Ault, LLNL
written by K. Keirnan and G. Young