CTE Pathways: Manufacturing & Product Development

With our Manufacturing and Product Development pathways, students receive hands-on training while working with the same machines they’ll use as professionals. These courses provide opportunities to earn college credit and industry certifications, getting our students ahead of the curve.

Machining & Forming Technologies Pathway

This pathway is designed as a survey of machine tool technology. Student focus is on traditional machine tool technologies. Coursework includes setup and operation of the engine lathe, the milling machine, the drill press, and sawing and cutoff machines. Additional topics incorporate the calculation and setup of speeds and feeds, and measurements. Students considering Machining courses develop strong math fundamentals by learning plotting and mapping coordinates in the CNC processing. Communication and collaboration skills center on working with conventional and CNC machines for the safety of self and others.

Students in front of a manufacturing machine

Girl working on a manufacturing equipment

Courses

YEAR 1: Forming and Machining I

Course Description

In this course, students will learn how to use traditional machine tool technologies, including an engine lathe, milling machine, drill press and more. Students will calculate set-up speeds and feeds for the machines and convert engineer drawings into finished products. Towards the end of the course, students will explore careers available to them if they continue down the Advanced Manufacturing path.

YEAR 2: Forming and Machining II

Course Description

This course instructs students in the safe and accurate set-up and production operation of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mills. Students learn and practice the safe and accurate set-up and production operation of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mills. Students utilize commercial equipment to load programs, align fixtures, select offset, select cutter radius compensation, and run first article parts. Emphasis includes milling programming and creating samples and parts to demonstrate skills to potential employers.

This capstone course provides Advanced Manufacturing content, skill development and leadership training in a commercial machine ship environment which prepare students to pursue industry certifications, employment, and a postsecondary degree.

Outcomes

Students who complete Year 1 can earn Cerritos College credit for MTT 100 Machine Tool Introduction.

Students who complete Year 1 can earn Cerritos College credit for MTT-52 Setup and Operation of CNC Milling Machines.

For More Information

Contact:

Frank Menjivar, Teacher
fmenjivar@dusd.net

Mechatronics Pathway

Mechatronics is the branch of engineering that is concerned with technological systems that incorporate mechanical, electrical, and software components. It is applied to robotics applications and is heavily leveraged across manufacturing process.

Courses

YEAR 1: Principles of Mechatronics

Course Description

Principles of Mechatronics is a two semester course designed so students learn about the technology that aﬀects their lives. It provides exposure to different branches of engineering and prepares them for more advanced courses.

In addition to acquiring mathematical, science, and communication skills, students are introduced to engineering process to solve technological problems. In a hands-on environment students solve problems with appropriate tools. They will create solutions that require mechanical, electrical, and/or software elements and present their findings through oral and written presentations.

This integrated technical and academic skills prepares students for advanced academic, vocational, and technical courses at all educational levels.

YEAR 2: Mechatronics Capstone

Course Description

Explore the world of physics and engineering in this year-long laboratory science course. Students delve into scientific principles, focusing on topics like energy conservation, electronic sensing, and computerized data acquisition. Through hands-on projects and inquiry-based learning, students take on the role of engineers, designing and building automated systems that streamline processes.

Throughout the course, students gain a solid foundation in physics while mastering the art of system design. Emphasis is placed on selecting the right components, setting up systems for optimal performance, and ensuring their ongoing maintenance. Technical proficiency is honed through precise use of specialized terms and symbols.

Using a blend of sensory experiences and advanced tools such as program logic controllers, sensors, and computer models, students explore electromechanical systems in depth. They learn to code and design efficient systems capable of collecting, measuring, and processing data.

Additionally, students address real-world challenges by analyzing local industrial systems, identifying inefficiencies, and proposing solutions that consider environmental impacts.

Outcomes

For More Information

Contact:

Frank Menjivar, Teacher
fmenjivar@dusd.net

Plastics Manufacturing & Composites Pathway

This pathway encompasses plastic product processing, design, development, and manufacturing. Student receive hands-on, industry-relevant practice that includes working with materials properties and applications, polymer structure and characterization, sustainability, plastics processing and packaging, and computer-aided design, as well as emerging technologies.

Courses

YEAR 1: Plastic Manufacturing & Composites Fabrication

Course Description

Students will receive an introduction of theory and hands-on exposure to fabrication methods with high-tech materials. Areas of concentration will include composite structures, material choices, design of composite structures, surface bonding, fastener installation, inspection processes, and approved repair methods. Fabrication, safety procedures, and material handling are also covered. Additionally, the course introduces the fundamentals of set-up and operation of injection molding equipment as found in industry. Training on actual industrial equipment, and safe material and equipment handling is stressed.

YEAR 2: Plastic Manufacturing & Composites Fabrication Capstone

Course Description

This course provides knowledge of materials and processes used in the field of plastic manufacturing today. An overview of plastic technology and application of production processes, as well as fabrication methods are covered. Students learn and practice molding, forming, reinforced materials, bonding, laminating, and finishing techniques, and plastic materials identification, using commercial workplace equipment.

The capstone will focus on design. Work-based learning prepares students for careers across automotive, construction, medical, food and beverage, aerospace, transportation, furniture, sport and leisure, agriculture, and additional industry sectors.

Outcomes

Students who complete year 1 will have an opportunity for college credit for the following Cerritos College courses: PMT 100: Plastics Manufacturing (2 units), PMT 151: Composites Fabrication 2 units), and Injection Molding (2 units).

For More Information

Contact:

Aaron Tostado
atostado@dusd.net

Welding & Materials Joining Pathway

Careers in welding are in demand. With our Welding and Materials Joining pathway, students can begin the training they need to succeed in the field early on with the same equipment used by industry professionals. The course prepares students for welding jobs right out of high school or to continue their education at schools like partner Cerritos College.

Courses

YEAR 1: Welding and Materials Joining I

Course Description

The course prepares students for welding jobs right out of high school or to continue their education at schools like partner Cerritos College.

YEAR 2: Welding and Materials Joining Capstone

Course Description

As an introductory course, Intermediate Welding and Materials Joining teaches students the technical and practical applications of metal cutting, welding processes and weld testing. The course covers a history of welding, safety procedures and the different welding types. Students will complete projects and explore careers available to them in the industry.

Outcomes

Students who complete this pathway receive the following certificate: IVES Forklift Standard Forklift Narrow Aisle Reach Truck/Order Picker Powered Pallet Truck/Jack

For More Information

Contact:

Bryan Mazariegos
bmazariegos@dusd.net

Learn More: CTE Pathways at Warren

Each CTE Pathway is industry-focused and usually consists of 2-3 courses. The last course in the pathway is the capstone. When students complete a course they may receive college credit or receive an industry certificate. Click on each industry below to see details about the courses and outcomes.