Education/training
Laser technology showcased at Lambton CollegeA hands-on demonstration of lasers used to align shafts in mechanical equipment is just one more way local industry is helping ready Lambton College students for the workplace. |
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 [ 2002-05-08 ] |
Millwrights from T.R.E.L. of Sarnia Ltd. led about 60 students in the college's Mechanical Technician -- Industrial Maintenance program through a demonstration of $40,000 lasers used in the Chemical Valley and beyond to align pieces of equipment such as mechanical pumps and turbines.
"We understand the importance of students learning how to run equipment, " said Al Judson, T.R.E.L.'s millwright mechanical supervision.
T.R.E.L. is a locally-owned and -operated company serving the petrochemical industry for more than 30 years. Its projects include, in part, installation, repairs and maintenance of rotating equipment, as well as various types of laser alignments.
Judson arranged for three millwrights Jeff Astolfi, Fred Bishop and John Feddes to lead demonstrations, using three shaft alignment lasers from the local company.
This is the same equipment used by industry leaders in the Chemical Valley.
"It is in the best interest of any company to share knowledge in this time of skilled trades shortage," Judson said.
"There is obviously going to be a shortage of tradesmen in the future. I tell my guys, many of whom are older and know all the tricks of the trade, that unshared knowledge is energy wasted."
Lambton College professor Gerry Partridge said the students would not have received this first-hand training on sophisticated laser shaft alignment equipment without T.R.E.L.'s generosity.
"This is a great example of how industry provides input to and works with the college to prepare students for training relevant to industry needs," he said.
The experts were peppered with questions by students who are getting ready for summer co-op placements in Sarnia, Hamilton, Strathroy and other centres.
Lambton College began offering the two-year co-op Mechanical Technician -- Industrial Maintenance program this past fall. The graduates will maintain complex mechanical machinery in industries such as petrochemical, plastics, manufacturing, automotive, steel-making, heavy equipment, mining and lumber.
They also maintain specialty equipment involving hydraulics, pneumatics, conveyance systems and production applications.
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