Tech Talk: What's new at Austin Polytechnical Academy

Although their high school graduations are still at least a year away, 50 more students at Austin Polytechnical Academy (APA) are now qualified to start a career in manufacturing, which brings the number of students with NIMS credentials up to 73. In January, 50 juniors earned industry-recognized machining certifications from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) through Austin Polytech's college and career prep program. NIMS credentials are respected by employers around the country as evidence of prospective employees' skills in manufacturing.

"It's very encouraging that Austin Polytech's program is going to scale," said Jim Wall, NIMS Deputy Director. "APA students will work towards a minimum of three NIMS credentials and a maximum of five," said Pablo Varela, the NIMS Machining Instructor at APA. "In addition to confirming a student's basic equipment and safety skills, the NIMS Materials, Measurement and Safty (MMS) credential also boosts esteem, confidence, interest in a career path, and ultimately a true feeling of achievement."

NIMS 2

Under the direction of Mr. Varela and his colleague, Tom O'Brien, APA students have been honing their machining skills in the school's Manufacturing Technology Center, a state-of-the-art facility made possible by over $100,000 in private investment by partner manufacturing companies such as WaterSaver Faucet Co. and the Tooling & Manufacturers Association Education Foundation.

"Our graduates will have life options when they graduate from APA," Mr. Varela explained. "Some will be ready for a traditional four-year university education. Many will be prepared for an undergraduate degree from the City Colleges of Chicago or other junior colleges across Illinois. Most will be ready for an entry or intermediate position in a manufacturing company, possibly operating a CNC machine."

Marquiese Booker and Mother Discuss Laystrom Career Job

Laystrom

Ms. Yolanda Booker and her son Marquiese met with Mr. Vogel recently discussing his Career Job opportunity with Laystrom Manufacturing. Marquiese has been offered a position of Quality Control Technician by Laystrom and he is going to attend Triton College under the Tuition Reimbursement Program offered by Laystrom. During the meeting Mr. Vogel laid out the next steps for Marquiese to finalize the program with Laystrom Manufacturing, and set up an appointment at Laystrom where he will be assisted in the application process. Upon completion of the application Mr. Vogel will set up an appointment at Triton so Maquiese, his mother, and company mentor, Jim Laystrom, can review his program.

Congratulations to Marquiese on obtaining this Career Job Opportunity and committing himself to furthering his education. His post-secondary education is very important to his new employer because, as Laystrom's president stated: "We want Marquiese to grow and have the skills to be able to accept opportunities when they become available. We're not interested in him remaining at this Quality Control Tech position; we need him to learn new things so that we can promote him."

Note: If other APA Seniors are interested in a Career Job Program see Mr. Vogel or Ms. Scott in Room 140 and fill out an application.

Leadership in Sustainability Takes Root at APA

Sustainable

Eleven APA freshmen have embarked on an exciting new initiative at APA. They meet twice a week during their lunch period to learn about concepts of sustainability with an eye of looking for ways to improve their community, while exploring careers related to the green economy. This leadership group is facilitated by APA Environmental Science Teacher Allison Bates, Dr. James Miles from the International Society for Sustainability Professionals and Dr. Richard Carlson from Carlson Environmental. APA freshman Jazmin Reese sums it up the best, "I'm tired of living in a messed up environment and it's time for a real change, we'll have to start small learning about recycling." Ms. Bates is excited to work with students on issues that will define their future and thinks" it's a great opportunity for students to be mentored by such experienced and well-connected professionals throughout their high school careers."

Delafonte Armstrong shares the sentiment by concluding "I want to get a point across about needing to make the earth a better place. It's teaching me that there are a lot of people that care about improving the environment."

Job Shadows and Royal Group

Royal Box

Bill Vogel, APAs Industrial Coordinator works with Darryl Hambright Sr., Director of Safety, Quality Improvement and Training for the Royal Group, a diversified corrugated container manufacturer and an APA Partner. They are discussing plans for the Job Shadow experience at Royal Group. Hambright said: "We want to make this a meaningful experience for your students." Someday they may be an employee here at Royal Group."

Mr. Hambright has been a long supporter of Austin Polytech. Last summer he welcomed Mr. Vogel and two APA students who were working as Partner Recruitment Specialists into his office and explained various aspects of his job and why it was so interesting. He is planning on being one of the "Hosts" for this year's March 16th Job Shadow.

Austin Coming Together Holds First Community Listening Event

ACT

On Tuesday January 25, 2011 Austin Coming Together (ACT), a social and economic community organization, held their first meeting. The meeting was attended by 125 people representing schools, community-based organizations and local residents in an effort to discuss opportunities that can improve the quality of education within the Austin Community. Through the establishment of an atmosphere that develops educational and economic opportunities, ACT hopes to create sustainable mixed economy within the Austin community. A group of APA students participated within the meeting offering anecdotes from their experience at APA. "We also discussed the importance of teaching students as early as 3^rd grade on how to think about college and their future," said Lucy Deleon-Scott, the Program Assistant to the APA Career Department and a mother of two APA students. Austin Coming Together will hold monthly meetings. For more information please visit www.austincomingtogether.org