Advanced Technological Education Program to Offer
Seven Scholarships for Tri-County Tech Students

CONTACT: DR. JIM WOOD, EXT. 2176

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/5/2000
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Josh Vaughn's math, physics and English classes at Tri-County Technical College don't mirror the traditional setting, with an instructor lecturing while students take notes on the day's assignment. Instead, you'll find Vaughn and 14 fellow engineering technology majors enrolled in the College's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program working in teams to solve real-world industry problems.

The ATE courses, which replace the traditional mathematics, physics and communication courses, model the workplace and make learning more relevant to students. "It's a new approach to teaching," said Dr. Jim Wood, who chairs the College's Industrial and Engineering Technology Division. "The program helps the students to understand the value of using math, science, engineering technology and communication skills through solving real-world problems." These courses form the foundation for students majoring in Electronics Engineering Technology, Engineering Graphics Technology and General Engineering Technology.

"The area's demand for skilled technicians is much greater than the supply," said Shawna Lloyd, an instructor for the ATE courses. "We (Tri-County Tech) can't meet the needs of industry at this time. ATE is a way to locally combat these vacancies for skilled technical jobs," she said.

This fall, ATE will offer up to seven tuition-covered scholarships for Tri-County Tech students. This is one time deal and open to any Engineering Technology student (those majoring in General Engineering Technology, Engineering Graphics Technology and/or Electronics Engineering Technology). July 1 is the deadline for applying for the scholarships. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the curricula.

Vaughn, a General Engineering Technology major, attends classes part-time and works part-time as an apprentice at the Robert Bosch Corporation in Anderson. He was one of eight selected for the two-year apprenticeship program. "The ATE program has given me a head start on thinking for myself," said Vaughn, who lives in Williamston. "I was used to the traditional classroom setting. I was a step-by-step learner. Now I see the overall picture, and I can systematically figure out problems. Also, I apply the skills I learn in class every day on the job at Bosch."

Working in industry has reinforced the value of these teamworking skill, he says. "The program is a lot of hard work, but it's worth it. I'm perfecting my teamwork and problem solving skills. It's not the easy way, but it the best way to learn to work in today's industry," said Vaughn.

A major benefit of the program is mastering real-life problem solving, said Mrs. Lloyd. "Our students aren't afraid in the work environment. They dive in when given a project."

Patricia Worley, of Seneca, an Engineering Graphics Technology major, agrees. In addition to problems-solving skills, she values the critical thinking skills she's mastering. "We learn how to attack a problem from all angles. Our instructors expect us to find the information through other means, such as calling engineers, industry resources and through traditional and non-traditional college research."

Good math and physics skills are a must in addition to interpersonal skills, Worley added. "Working with people is very important in class and on the job. We rely on each other and serve as back up for each other."

"The classes are integrated," she continued. "You can see where the various courses are related. You're getting the full benefit of each class. It's never just lecture. It's more like a two-way conversation."

For more information about the ATE program and/or the scholarship opportunity, contact Shawn Lloyd at Ext. 2121 at one of these numbers: Anderson County, 225-2250; Oconee County -- 882-4412; Pickens County -- 859-7033; or Clemson/Anderson/Pendleton -- 646-8361. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled should call TDD/VOICE 1-800-735-2905.
-30-