We get lots of questions from community members asking about how to break in to the industry of 3D printing. It’s a big industry and there are many applications. One way to learn about them is to attend a technical school to get in-depth training. This is a guest post by Lauren Willison, Director of Admissions at Florida Polytechnic University discussing the advantages of attending a tech school.
High school students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines can attend a technology school to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to lead innovative high-tech industries upon graduation. These types of educational institutions are geared towards students who have decided to pursue a technology-based education. Technology universities generally offer introductory general education courses, electives and hands-on internships.
On the other hand, students who are industry-focused and commuter-based should consider attending a technical school. In general, technical schools are centers that specialize in specific subject areas. Students often attend these universities for less than two years and can specialize in areas such as computer technology, business administration, culinary arts, electronics, medical assisting, legal assisting or automotive technology.
A technical school has small class sizes and students receive personalized attention with classmates and professors. Students interested in specific career paths, such as engineering or information technology, can gain skills and the necessary knowledge to work in specific industry areas such as manufacturing or business. Students will be equipped with the necessary experience to get into the workforce quicker.
Students enrolled in a technology university have a broader area of focus and more course options, as they are enrolled in school longer. Technology universities focus on applying real-world solutions to solve the nation’s challenges. Students have the ability to work with 3D printing systems and interdisciplinary environments with digital objects, printing hardware, software development and emerging technologies. In 3D printing labs, students are able to combine engineering, information technology and computer science with advanced prototyping in order to manufacture 3D technologies and techniques.
In particular, the Rapid Application Development (RAD) Makerspace Lab at Florida Polytechnic University, Florida’s newest university dedicated to STEM, is a hybrid manufacturing systems environment with 55 3D printers and digital object scanners, making it one of the largest MakerBot innovation centers in the world. Students are able to work alongside professors and industry partners in the lab and gain experience designing, testing and generating innovative ideas.
Individuals who attend a tech school in Florida with a focus in a STEM disciple face higher employment rates as these industries are rapidly hiring. The nation’s economic growth will be driven by the rising demand for knowledge workers in sectors such as engineering and technology. Graduates must have an understanding of advanced science, mathematical principles and problem-solving skills. These students will come from technical schools and technology universities with the necessary skills to solve complex problems of our nation’s future. Individuals with knowledge in STEM disciplines will make contributions in most aspects of the economy, including business, healthcare, manufacturing and finance.
Lauren Willison is responsible for supporting the Executive Director of Enrollment Services and the Associate Director of Admissions in managing recruitment efforts. She develops and coordinates on- and off-campus events, as well as manages the campus visit experience.