Southwest Colorado Community College is offering two courses this spring that cater to students and working professionals seeking an edge in the job market.
The college is offering a one-semester AutoCAD class in which students will use a new Makerbot 3D printer to bring their computer-aided design plans to life.
3D printing is one of the fastest-growing technologies in engineering and manufacturing.
According to a June 2014 report from analysts PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 59 percent of small manufacturing businesses and 75 percent of large businesses surveyed said they are currently adapting to the technology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is also optimistic about the burgeoning technology's place in the workforce. The agency predicts a strong growth market for mechanical engineering students in general, but says that those abreast of the latest 3D printing technologies will have enhanced job prospects.
Melinda Green, director of academic services for SCCC, notes that the incorporation of 3D printing into the course's curriculum was generated, in part, from local business interest.
"We had some calls from a few different businesses asking if we were offering a course like this because they had employees they wanted to send," said Green.
"In the meantime, I personally became interested in 3D printing, and did research on companies and products. I said let's see if we can get money to buy a printer."
The school was able to secure a federal Perkins grant to purchase the 3D printer, which is listed for $2,899 on the manufacturers website.
The current curriculum for SCCC welding students seeking an Associate's degree requires them to complete an AutoCAD course, Green said, but the addition of 3D printer training gives the class itself another dimension.
Another new course the school is offering this semester, is Spanish for Medical Professionals. The course will focus on medical vocabulary and terminology as well as basic conversation skills and is a collaboration between SCCC and Mercy Hospital
"The class is going to concentrate on vocabulary for medical issues," said Green. "So professionals can better communicate questions like 'Where does it hurt?' 'What does it feel like?', 'What's your history?'. some of the vocabulary used in a medical setting."
Green also says that the new Spanish for Medical Professionals course was generated by interest from employees of Mercy Hospital.
Both courses are now open for enrollment and begin within weeks.
To learn more about the classes, or to enroll, call Southwest Colorado Community College at 970-564-6200.