Engineering students use various software programs to visualize the parts of an assembly project. Graphic courtesy of senior Aidan Field.
San Luis Obispo High School offers many CTE pathways to support the student body’s diverse interests. The Engineering pathway provides students many opportunities, however there are few students who actually go on to complete the pathway despite Engineering being a popular choice of major for seniors.
“I kept continuing engineering because it has taught me valuable skills such as 3D modeling parts and design work, along with project work structures. It’s also my desired career path, as it interests me how things around us actually work,” said senior Joshua Bremer.
Many freshmen choose to take Engineering I and are able to learn the basics of drafting model designs and are also introduced to the CAD (Computer Aided Design) programming language. Engineering II is where students begin to develop a greater understanding of CAD to create detailed models.
They’re eventually introduced to SolidWorks, a 3D software program that allows them to create any object they want. Using this platform, students can model assemblies of various parts as well as objects with moving parts.
“The most enjoyable part of the pathway is learning new and more advanced ways to do a certain command or make a certain part. It is so satisfying to see your progress and complete more and more complicated parts that would have never thought you could even start. I also like finding new and faster ways to complete the same problem. It really shows the versatility of the programs we use and how you’ll learn the most by trying new things by yourself rather than having a teacher tell you everything step-by-step,” said junior Gabby Neer.
Engineering III students spend time preparing for the CSWA exam that will give them full certification in the SolidWorks program. Earning this certification ensures that they are fully proficient in modelling assemblies and reverse-engineering parts digitally which will be helpful in any engineering field they decide to go into.
“I’m currently working on a part/assembly project that requires reverse-engineering a grill that we have to make instructions on. After we have gotten the parts mapped out and put in an assembly, we will build instructions on how to make the grill…I get to use my last two years of skills I picked up to build something that can be used in the real world,” said Bremer.
Not only do students walk away with CSWA certification, but the pathway is also dual enrollment allowing students to earn real college credit while completing the pathway.
“The classes helped me experience what the computer portion of an engineering job will look like. I decided to keep taking classes because Engineering II is dual enrollment so I am getting college credit for my classes and CAD certification in Engineering III which is a huge benefit for majoring in engineering and eventually getting a job in an engineering discipline,” said Neer.
There are also a wide array of opportunities available to students at SLOHS, with programs like the ACE Mentorship program being promoted for any students interested in engineering, construction, or architecture. In Engineerings, students are also introduced to opportunities for internships or jobs.
“Fay always tries to show us opportunities where we can gain work experience because he wants to help us the best way he can,” said Neer.
Programs like these offer students further experience by connecting students with professionals in their chosen field.
“Taking this class has definitely helped with my future career plans because it has helped me understand more what type of work engineers actually do. This class has also helped me gain exposure to different opportunities for internships, jobs, and engineering camps that I might not have heard about otherwise…This class is a great introduction to what type of work engineers do on a daily basis, so if students are interested in a career in engineering this is a great way to build a foundation for that,” said junior Kassandra Gee.
Any students interested in engineering or planning to go into a related field should heavily consider taking this class to get a jumpstart. Students can reach out to their counselors if they would like to request a schedule change for next year or reach out to industrial technology teacher Tim Faye if they have any specific questions.
