Reviving Technical Currency Of Engineering Technology Faculty

Abstract

Engineering Technology faculty development is a continuous challenge. Enrichment of faculty through real-life industrial experience provides the opportunity for continuous improvement of technology faculty technical currency. In the summer of 2000, one of the mechanical engineering technology faculty worked with local industry to revive technical skills, learn new skills, observe project management skills, and bring new learned skills into the classroom. He participated as a team member of the company in the startup process of a truck assembly production line. This summer opportunity provided first-hand experience for the faculty member to work in teams with project managers, engineers, technologists, and technicians of different companies. The authors will share their observations and mutual benefits of this partnership and how it has impacted faculty, the college, and industry in several ways. The paper concludes with some suggestions from authors to tie the internship with curriculum development.