Several classes in the Computer Engineering Technology Program at Lenoir Community College recently went on field trips to visit local industries.  The field trips give the students a working knowledge of what happens inside a facility.  The students gain knowledge on how a product is made and the daily responsibilities of the employees.  The graduates of the Computer Engineering Program are employed at some of the facilities that were toured.

The Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) class visited the Neuse Regional WASA site in Kinston.  This state-of- the-art water treatment plant pumps water from the Neuse River and treats the water so it can be piped to the general public.  This plant has the capability of producing 15 million gallons of water per day.  The students were able to walk through and see the process from beginning to end.  The plant is operated by computers that control the process. 

The students saw firsthand how what they were studying in class related to the real world.  The tour guide opened the cabinets and explained what was inside and how the computer components controlled that part of the plant.

The Industrial Controls class visited Guildford in Kenansville.  This plant produces and dyes fabric for the automobile industry.  The fabric is used in the headliners, door panels, and the seats of new cars.  They take thread and weave the fabric using large weaving machines.  The students were able to see how the motors, switches, sensors, etc. worked together to produce and dye the fabric.  “In class we discuss these items, but seeing them work is an education by itself,” LCC Computer Engineering Technology Program Head David V. Jones said.

The DC/AC Circuit Analysis class went to NWL Capacitor plant in Snow Hill.  This facility produces capacitors for the electronic industry and the military.  The students were able to see how capacitors are made from the raw materials to a finished product.  “NWL produces small capacitors and very large capacitors at the Snow Hill plant,” Jones said. “Bob Kropiewnicki started the tour with an introduction of what they do at NWL.  He then took the students through the plant explaining along the way the process of making capacitors.”

The final part of the tour was a demonstration of what will happen when a capacitor is charged to 1000 Volts and discharged with a piece of wire.  There is a rush of electrons produce a loud bang along with a bright flash of light.  The students left NWL with a better understanding of capacitors and the importance of this electronic component.

For more information about changing your career or starting a new career in the exciting field of Computer Engineering contact Jones at 527 6223, ext. 102.