FTV 4/C Engineering Classes

Today I was lucky enough to sit in on the 4/C engineering classes. In the engineering training space there are multiple tables with different stations. The stations consist of making a metal picture frame, learning how to solder, the correct way to measure with different tools, threading a black iron pipe, flaring and compression fittings, and fitting PVC pipe. These are all valuable things and basic tasks to know what to do in the engineering world.

I was able to watch students make picture frames where they first measure  measured out the edges of the aluminium to drill the corner holes for the screws to hold the frame together. Before drilling them must use a hack saw to cut the actual face of the frame. Once that was completed they assembled the frame and painted them. The purpose of this project was to get the freshmen acclimated to using different tools like the drill press, hack saw, files, and taps.

Tools of the Trade

The next project they did was cutting copper pipe and then soldering them together. The purpose of this project was to learn how to one cut copper pipe, and two learn how to correctly solder. The finished product that they created was a small rectangle with 5 joints soldered in.

Copper Pipes to Solder

The next project involved pipe, specifically black iron pipe, This pipe needed to be threaded in order to make it usable.  They start by cutting a piece of raw pipe, and then they ream the inside of the pipe and file the outside. Next they cut the threads on the outside of the pipe. This threading makes the pipe connectable to other parts.

Black Pipe for threading

Although these projects are very basic, they are completed so that the freshmen can get comfortable working with their hand. The freshmen enjoy it and the senior training rates are able to show off a few things that they have learned through the past few years. These hands-on will prepare them for jobs in Marine Engineering Careers.

What Marine Engineers do.

Ocean engineers are involved in all things aquatic, from building on- and off-shore and underseas structures, to designing high-tech monitoring devices.

Learn the principles of electricity by fashioning circuits from play dough, batteries, wires, and LEDs. No soldering necessary!

Construct a model ballast system, and then learn to control its vent valves to make it submerge and surface.