BFIT Awarded $150K to Enhance Engineering Technology Lab Experiences

September 15, 2021

Students in BFIT’s Engineering Technology programs will soon be gaining hands-on training on an array of new, cutting edge lab equipment, thanks to a $150,000 grant awarded to the college this month by the Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant Program.

BFIT launched three new Engineering Technology associate degree programs this fall with curricula focused on three of the state’s most important sectors: Advanced Manufacturing and Automation, Mechatronics Technology, and Renewable Energy Technology.

“This skills grant will allow us to enhance our students’ lab experiences and give them even more of the hands-on experiences they need to prepare for successful careers in these high-demand industries,” said Dr. Marvin Loiseau, BFIT Dean of Academic Affairs. “We are very grateful to the state for this important investment in our students.”

With the grant, BFIT will purchase the following equipment:

Alternative Energy Learning System (Wind and Solar), Solar PV Array Station, Solar PV Sun Simulator: This equipment will be used in support of lab curriculum that focuses on photovoltaic system installation, set-up, data acquisition, testing, and troubleshooting. The new Learning System will also help prepare students for industry solar and wind certification exams.

Turbine Generator Control Troubleshooting Learning System: This system will be used to teach maintenance and troubleshooting of wind turbine generators. The Learning System is capable of emulating various real-time scenarios, enabling students to develop industry-specific, technician-level essential competencies such as generator system operation, adjustment, and troubleshooting.

Renewable Energy Education Set and Horizon Energy Box: This educational set consists of various hands-on, activity-based modules for teaching fundamentals of clean energy technology and renewable microgrids on a miniature scale. These kits will provide students at the freshman/sophomore level with a firsthand experience in generating power, data collection, experimental analysis, and troubleshooting using renewable energy resources.

Crossfire Pro CNC Plasma Table: Automated cutting tools are the core technology in modern manufacturing. This tool will be used to teach software-controlled cutting methods in alignment with current industry standards. The equipment will be used to develop essential skills such as operational knowledge of metalworking machines, handling tools and welding equipment, fabrication processes, and familiarity with metal properties.

Wazer Desktop Waterjet: This high-precision cutting tool will enable students to develop competencies such as cold cutting methods, edge smoothing, and high accuracy/high tolerance cutting using abrasive waterjet technology. Students will be able to design cutting layouts in CAD software and transfer the designs to the Wazer equipment, while having an opportunity to learn about material handling, design specifications, machine maintenance, and automation of process.

In all, the Baker Administration awarded a total of $9.7 million in skills grants to 47 educational organizations (including BFIT) across the Commonwealth. The Skills Grant Program was launched in 2015 with an original goal to replace outdated equipment and technology, mainly at vocational technical high schools and community colleges. Since then, the program has evolved into a crucial component of local workforce training efforts by expanding the number of young people and adults trained and experienced with the newest technologies used by local employers.

“The Skills Capital Grants have helped give thousands of young people opportunities in high-demand jobs, and the grants have had a tremendous impact on students, schools and local businesses,” said Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. “These significant investments made over the past six years in this program with our partners in the Legislature will help train students to adapt to the changing needs of our economy.”

Read more about the Skills Grant awards at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-skills-capital-grant-program