VGCC Industrial Systems Technology Program Offers Many Opportunities for Success
VGCC Industrial Systems Technology Program Offers Many Opportunities for Success
According to Vance-Granville Community College’s Industrial Systems Technology program head, Robert Hudson, demand for Industrial Systems technologists remains high, despite changing economic conditions. Hudson says that since he became a full-time VGCC instructor approximately sixteen years ago, he can recall only one year when the program’s graduates had difficulty finding high-paying jobs in the field. Job titles of IST graduates can vary widely, from “Machine Technician” to “Production Equipment Technologist,” among others.
IST (formerly known as “Industrial Maintenance”) students are exposed to an all-encompassing one-year curriculum that includes welding, air conditioning, electrical and mechanical systems. The curriculum is designed to prepare or up-grade individuals to service, maintain, repair, or install equipment for a wide range of industries. Students will learn technical skills in blueprint reading, electricity, hydraulics/pneumatics, machining, welding, and various maintenance procedures. At the end of one year, students can graduate with an IST diploma or, if they have found a particular area of interest, they can continue for another year in that area to earn a Multi-Skill diploma.
Students have the opportunity to work on a variety of sophisticated equipment, representing machinery that might be found in virtually any facility in the area, according to Hudson. Much of the class work is also done on computer, including a newly purchased software program that allows students to create computer models to study hydraulics. Hudson also employs a computerized “Smart Board” in the classroom, which allows him to present a variety of material quickly. That is important, Hudson says, “because there aren’t any books written for this subject.”
Financial aid and scholarships may be available to those interested in joining the IST program. For information about scholarships, call VGCC’s Endowment Fund at (252) 492-206l, and for information about financial aid, call (252) 738-3280.
IST student Dr. Gary D. Faulkner of Oxford, a retired North Carolina State University math professor, entered the program specifically to learn about the machine shop for personal use. But he was so impressed with Robert Hudson, whom he calls an “excellent teacher,” that he soon took other courses. He became fascinated with hydraulics, though he had no particular interest in the subject before taking the VGCC course. Faulkner also plans to take the machine shop course again as an audit. He is not aiming for a diploma, but rather is taking each course individually. What he has learned at VGCC, Faulkner uses in his own machine shop at home.
“I would recommend Robert Hudson’s program to recent high school graduates, to people who want to re-tool or get a new job, or to people who just want to expand their knowledge and want a good learning experience,” Faulkner says.
For information about registering in the IST program, call vocational counselor Herbert Washington at (252) 738-3228.
Current IST students (left to right) Buddy Carden of Creedmoor, Ben Lynton-Edwards of Virginia, Gary Faulkner, Ronnie Bailey of Creedmoor, and instructor Robert Hudson pose around the variable-speed vertical mill in the IST machine shop at VGCC. (VGCC Photo)
