Board of Commissioners Chair Steve Pitman smiles and presents the January Employee of the Month award to Senior Center Director Kathy Garland.
The Mayland Community College rapid prototype program is giving its applied engineering technology students valuable, tangible experience.
Mayland President John Boyd spoke to the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners about the program during a regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 7.
In its rapid prototype program, Mayland utilizes a 3D metal printer to design and print real, working parts.
Boyd said the college has done work over the past several months to help BRP, adding that the college is also working on an agreement with Buckstove to design some parts for them.
The rapid prototype program is operated by students. Three of the students are working on scholarships and will get a full ride. Students work 10 hours per week and get paid $15 per hour.
“It’s a pretty good deal,” Boyd said. “It’s a good way of building the soft skills that places like Baxter, Altec and BRP need.”
In addition to designing and printing, students also meet with clients and negotiate contract terms. Profits stay within the college with a chunk going toward purchasing materials and other rapid prototype operating costs.
Boyd said the program gives students varied experiences. In the past, the program has even created parts for antique cars.
“It’s really working well,” Boyd said. “Students are the ones putting together the price lists and negotiating contracts. When they leave the program, they’re already able to have experience.”
During his report, Boyd also provided an update on the YMCA and Pinebridge Coliseum (Three Peaks) projects.
Vannoy Construction will serve as the project contractor. The proposed YMCA would include a 16,000-square foot renovation of Pinebridge and an addition.
The renovated Coliseum will also house the college’s massage therapy program. Boyd teased the possibility of adding a culinary arts program that would call that building home.
Boyd expressed his excitement for having such resources so close for guests staying at the neighboring Blue Ridge Boutique Hotel, which he said has done well over the past several months.
During the meeting, the commissioners also honored Mitchell Senior Center Director Kathy Garland as the county’s January Employee of the Month.