New pre-engineering and manufacturing technology shop brings government officials and potential employers to the school.
MCVTS freshmen Jordan Aurelio of Perth Amboy and Jake Dantas of Avenel demonstrate some of the schools new equipment for visitors, from left, Josh von der Heyde of Allendale Machinery, MCVTS superintendent Brian J. Loughlin and Middlesex County Freeholder Ronald G. Rios. EAST BRUNSWICK --Last month, students at the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools' East Brunswick Campus welcomed government officials, potential employers and visiting educators to the school's new pre-engineering and manufacturing technology shop.
This year, 14 freshmen were admitted to the school's new program of study that includes mechanical technology, electronics, and pneumatics and hydraulics.
According to Sean McDonald, MCVTS director of career and technical education, the new major will fill the "skills gap" created by rapid changes in technology and give students the exposure to the tools and equipment needed to solve problems in manufacturing.
During the open house, students Jake Dantas of Avenel and Jordan Aurelio of Perth Amboy demonstrated a pneumatic instrumentation module, Andrew Galvin of Old Bridge operated a solderless wiring device to create electrical circuits, and Lucy Beauchamps of Perth Amboy explained the shop's safety training and procedures.
"This is my favorite class," said Beauchamps, who was going to major in culinary arts before becoming fascinated by a robotic arm during a tour of the new shop. She now hopes to work in medical manufacturing.
"This is a Renaissance time for vocational schools," said MCVTS Superintendent of Schools Brian J. Loughlin. "Manufacturing is the backbone of American greatness; that is why it is so important to reinvigorate the manufacturing sector."
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