VICKSBURG, Miss.— The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and Hinds Community College recently signed an Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) to implement the “Partnership in Education” program, an initiative that encourages study in STEM and professional areas of interest such as unmanned aerial vehicles and those enhancing the engineering, technological and scientific areas at ERDC’s seven laboratories.
Partnership in Education is a 12-week training course in precision manufacturing and machining technology that prepares individuals to manufacture precision parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and computer numerical control (CNC) equipment. The training also includes instruction in making computations related to work dimensions, testing, feeds, and speeds of machines. Additionally, participants use precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gauges, machine and heat-treat various metals, and layout machine parts. Operation and maintenance of computerized equipment is also taught during the course.
Students will be trained at ERDC’s Research and Development Shop in Vicksburg, which consists of modeling, welding, and machining, and supports the agency’s seven laboratories by developing and providing resources to complement lab experiments and technology. Once researchers determine what materials are needed, R&D Shop professionals begin the building, welding, or machining process to ensure researchers have what they need to make their experiments successful.
Jack Wheeldon III, chief of ERDC’s Installation Support Division, believes the program is an ideal way to find talent that could further expand and strengthen ERDC’s workforce.
“We’re onboarding young people and introducing them to new tasks to ensure they have what we’re looking for and understand their new environment,” said Wheeldon. “After monitoring their performance, we invest in their development by educating them with hands-on training. By growing and educating our employees, we get a broad spectrum of professionals that includes tenured experts and upcoming people with intelligence and a good work ethic that can tackle the new software-driven work that we’re doing.”
Zachary Smith, program manager of ERDC’s R&D Fabrication Group, believes the R&D Shop initiative provides numerous opportunities that will aid ERDC in recruitment efforts.
“The R&D Shop opportunities are endless, as they teach students multiple skill sets,” said Smith. “The shop provides intimate details on how ERDC supports the nation through various trades and skills like welding, CNC machining, model making, carpentry, sheet metal fabrication, and pipefitting to name a few. I believe these opportunities benefit ERDC so that we are developing a workforce that executes the mission to support the Warfighter and the civil works side of USACE.”
This year’s participant, according to his supervisors, measures up to the standard that ERDC has set. Calvin Martin, a Hinds Community College student who helps with machinery at the R&D Shop, is making strides in the program. Smith applauded Martin’s talent, professionalism and willingness to learn.
“We are pleased with Calvin’s performance and engagement in the program,” said Smith. “He has gained lots of knowledge in the short time he’s been enrolled in his studies at Hinds. Calvin’s eagerness to learn, communication skills, and positive attitude stand out the most.”
Martin was grateful to ERDC professionals for their encouragement and inspiring him to succeed.
“My instructors do a good job at pushing me to be better,” said Martin. “If you’re trying to learn new things, the instructors and mentors here will help you to learn whatever skill you’re seeking. I’ve never seen this at any of my other jobs. The people at ERDC will encourage and push you to take advantage of every opportunity to become better because they want to see us succeed.”
Of the new skills Martin has learned while participating in the program, he appreciated learning to read blueprints the most, as it is an essential part of being a standout machinist.
“I’ve enjoyed learning to read blueprints the most. My instructors have gone in depth about blueprint reading because it’s important,” Martin explained. “We must understand blueprints in our field because if you can’t read it, then you won’t be able to do anything. Understanding blueprints isn’t something you can guess or figure out alone, so that’s why I appreciate my instructors for guiding me.”
Coming to ERDC has been one of Martin’s best work experiences.
“It doesn’t get any better than working at ERDC,” Matin said. “I could stay here forever.”