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e Contributionby Trevor Beaty

Amanda MosherJunior, GCT

Mackenzie FraserJunior, GCT

Emily DrewekJunior, GCT

Xang LorJunior, GCT

Kaitlin RacineJunior, GCT

Katie HohenseeJunior, GCT

Elise CoxSophomore, GCT

Jessica BeanJunior, GCT

Jessica ScottJunior, GCT

Trevor BeatyJunior, GCT

Beth RussInstructor, GCT

Bud Young Instructor, GCT

Dan Seanor Instructor, GCT

Darren AckleyDean

time magazine’s top priority is to inform and educate central Wisconsin about the graphic technologies, manufacturing and engineering trades as well as education for them in the area of Wausau, Wisconsin. We primarily intend to inform the readership and showcase the depth of the trades, introducing the consumer to aspects of the trades and education, as well as displaying in-depth information and informing readers of present opportunities in the area.

time magazine showcases central Wisconsin’s technologies and manufacturing and engineering trades, from education to business. time promotes the industry by informing readers of these trades and displaying the immense capabilities of its members. Students and staff from Northcentral Technical College collaborate to construct time publication bi-annually.

Designed and produced by NTC Graphic Communication Technologies students for educational purposes.

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me Contents

Headliners: 7 Wisconsin Logging 13 Non-Traditional Occupations 23 The History of Woodworking

Commerce:Featured Businesses:

11 Zelazoski Wood Products, Inc. 15 Greenheck Fan Corporation

Instruction:Featured Programs:

1 Mechanical Design 18 NTC’s Wood Center of Excellence

Spot-Light: 10 Planning for Employee Growth 22 Mechanical Design 25 Gold Collar Careers 26 Safety Corner 27 Recreation/Leisure

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e Instructionby Bryan LaVigne

The Mechanical Design Technology program at Northcentral Technical College provides the avenue individuals need to enter into engineering related professions. For decades our local businesses and local industry have sought out graduates of the Mechanical Design Technology program and are impressed by the education they have received and the skills they possess.

Laying the Blueprint for the Future:Drafting, Designing, & Creating the Products of Tomorrow

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What does a Mechanical Designer do?

Mechanical designers not only help create mechanical products, but also the machines necessary for their assembly and fabrication. Many different types of organizations hire mechanical designers for their research and development or quality control areas. They are responsible for collecting data, conducting experiments, working with computer-aided design (CAD) software, and building the prototypes that will eventually become the final products.

Mechanical designers apply the theories and principles of mechanical engineering to design, develop, and test machinery and mechanical equipment under the direction of engineering staff and physical scientists. They also review project instructions, contracts, and specifications to determine test values, manufacturing procedures and component functions.

To help determine whether an existing design is practical or economical to produce, designers use engineering specifications and data, information from handbooks, equipment manuals, suppliers, and catalogs. They may also seek information from the engineer who applies knowledge of basic engineering principles to solve design problems, such as those involving tolerances, strength, speed, motion, or the selection of the proper standard components for a mechanical device.

“A design technician must possess a thorough understanding of various

manufacturing processes.”What are the skills and education of a Mechanical Designer?

In order to be capable of designing for manufacturing, a design technician must possess a thorough understanding of various manufacturing processes such as machining, casting, extrusion, forging, welding, and forming. Designing parts that are difficult, if not impossible, to produce is unacceptable. Students at Northcentral Technical College are exposed to all the traditional and leading edge manufacturing practices.

Not only does a mechanical designer need to understand the various manufacturing and engineering materials available, such as titanium, carbon fiber, or alloy steel, but they must also understand the corresponding test procedures and equipment used to quantify the mechanical properties of these materials. In today’s world of design, new and exotic materials are developed daily creating endless possibilities. Specifying the correct material for a particular design can be a challenging and interesting, yet exciting responsibility.

Active involvement in the design process challenges mechanical designers to create more dependable, cost-effective and unique product designs. They use science, mathematics, engineering, problem solving, deductive reasoning, parametric solid modeling and finite element analysis (FEA) to assist them in this process.

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Important requirements of a mechanical designer include:

• The ability to communicate effectively in written, verbal, and electronic formats to coworkers, supervisors, and customers

• The ability to apply technical math and science knowledge to prepare engineering drawings and assist in the design of products

• The ability to use computers and appropriate software to solve problems and communicate in the mechanical design work environment

• The ability to use appropriate CAD system to create designs and drawings

• The ability to demonstrate applied technical drawing standards essential to create working drawings

• The ability to analyze mechanical parts based on selection criteria and strength requirements

• The ability to apply a basic knowledge and understanding of manufacturing infrastructure and planning in the mechanical design field

• The ability to demonstrate appropriate professional behaviors by effectively managing time, maintaining positive client relations, accurately assessing personal work performance, displaying initiative and professional ethics

• The ability to work effectively and productively within a team work environment

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What employment positions can I apply for with a Mechanical Design Degree?

Job prospects in the mechanical design field appear excellent due to a growing demand for new and different consumer products, as well as the never ending requirement to produce new and improved designs to maintain market share. Because of the rising demand for new consumer products, the demand for the machinery and tooling needed to manufacture these products has also increased, creating a favorable job market for those with strong mechanical design skills.

Potential Positions include:

• Computer Aided Design Technician

• Design/Layout Drafter

• Mechanical Designer

• Tool Design Technician

• Product Designer

• Engineering Technician

• Research and Development Technician

All of these possibilities exist with an average starting salary of approximately $33,529.00. This starting wage, based solely on education, will increase rapidly with practical experience specific to your new field.

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Why should I choose Northcentral Technical College for my Mechanical Design Degree?

The Mechanical Design Instructors at Northcentral Technical College incorporate the latest software and technology into their program to enable the student to experience the most recent advancements in the tools of the designer and engineer. This allows the graduate to enter the workforce equipped and prepared to contribute productively. The instructors regularly attend new skills training to keep them up to date with the latest developments.

Computer Software:

• SolidWorks

• Inventor

• AutoCAD

• SolidWorks Finite Element Analysis

Other Technology:

• Rapid Prototyping

• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

• Material Testing Equipment

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NTC Mechanical Design Instructors come from a variety of engineering backgrounds ranging from product research and development to manufacturing systems engineering. Some instructors also continue to be a licensed professional engineer. Together they provide the extensive experience that is vital in the classroom. The instructors pride themselves in providing the skills and knowledge that will prove useful to the future mechanical designers. Having a “professionally performed the job before teaching it” approach is the cornerstone of the Wisconsin technical college philosophy and enables each instructor to lend “real world” applications and explanations to the learning experience.

The Mechanical Design program meets regularly with members from our local businesses and industry who frequently hire our graduated students. At Advisory Committee Meetings they receive feedback and suggestions that are necessary for the continuous improvement of our program and to tailor the program to best meet the needs of our engineering community.

Various four year universities have accepted the Northcentral Technical College mechanical design credits toward their bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, enabling graduates to continue their education. These articulation agreements are a product of hard work by our faculty members and an example of our commitment to our students even after graduation. The most notable agreements include the Milwaukee School of Engineering and the University of Wisconsin-Stout. The UW-Stout agreement provides the unique feature of being taught directly on the NTC campus allowing for the greatest degree of accessibility for our graduates.

Small class sizes—a maximum of twenty students—provides another advantage of the Northcentral Technical College mechanical design learning experience, allowing for individual instruction and group participation. This promotes an open and comfortable learning environment and allows for flexibility to accommodate all styles of learning.

How can I find out more about this exciting career, and whether or not it is a good career choice for me?

Visit our campus and talk with our counselors. Tour our labs and sit in on a course. Our instructors would be happy to talk with you one on one to answer any questions you may have and help you decide if this is the right path for you.

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e

Logging has been around in Wisconsin since the early 18th century. The first white settlers began to develop the logging industry in the 1830s. While it was only a minor activity at first, it grew quickly. Limited transportation, supplies, and markets made logging difficult in the beginning. By the middle of the century, the Wisconsin industry had begun to grow rapidly.

Forests along the Wisconsin River were the first trees to fall in 1836. Rivers provided an easy way to transport pine logs from the forests to the mills. The mills used the same rivers to power water wheels and saws that cut the logs into boards. Many of the major cities in Wisconsin were built on rivers because of the logging industry. People raised their

families around the mills to support the growing population of loggers and millworkers.

In the mid to late 19th century, railroads transformed Wisconsin’s lumber industry. Transporting lumber by train allowed loggers to work year round and to cut lumber that had been impossible to float down rivers.

The location of mills led to growth of cities and towns, and influenced the routes followed by railroads. Thousands of workers were employed to cut trees, haul and transport logs, cut the logs into lumber, and ship boards to markets.

Since 2005, Wisconsin has over 62,000 employees in the forest industry, half of which

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are in paper mills and manufacturing. The remaining employees work in logging and forestry. The number of employees in the forest products industry has decreased about 16% since 2002; 25% in paper mills and 7% in paper manufacturing. Not only have jobs decreased, but since 2004, total wages for the industry have decreased 33% as well. Paper mills and manufacturing have both declined about 35%, while total wages in the wood furniture manufacturing sector have declined 26%. Wood products manufacturing has had a large decline of 51% since 2004 and is a large part of why wages have decreased.

In the first half of 2010, there were about 1,375 establishments in the forest products industry, with another 271 in the logging

and forestry support sectors. Combined, these account for about 1% of all businesses in Wisconsin. The number of businesses remained fairly stable between 2008 and 2010, with the greatest percentage loss occurring in the logging and forestry support activities and wood furniture and wood products manufacturing.

The logging era in Wisconsin is an important part of Wisconsin’s history, and is still reflected today by the presence of the mills.

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e WorkforceDevelopment

Planning for Employee Growth Remains a Key Focus at NTC

The Business and Industry Solutions (BIS) team at NTC has been working directly with business partners this year on creating long term plans for employee growth and development.

The economy is still on the minds of several businesses in the NTC district and spending resources on employee development continues to be a challenge. Adjusting to market conditions, high-quality production and costs of goods and services continue to put pressure to perform at high levels on existing employees.

The approach has been to work with employers on creating a solution based training program that not only addresses the immediate needs of the employers, but also factors in the growth of the employee within the organization and identifying the skills necessary for them to succeed as individuals. This multi-phase approach looks at immediate needs, workshops and training programs that get at the root of the issues, while laying out the road map for success over the course of 3 to 24 months.

This approach allows an already strapped Human Resources department the chance to plan out employee training for a long period of time while building on skills such as: leadership, supervision, soft skills, technical application skills and office skills to just name a few.

For more information on developing an employee professional development plan, contact the BIS team at 715.803.1121 for a no-cost consultation and proposed plan development.

The approach has been to work with employers on creating a solution-based training program that not only addresses

the immediate needs of the employers, but also factors in the growth of the employee within the organization and identifying

the skills necessary for them to succeed as individuals.

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Manufacturers of

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e Commerceby Kaitlin Racine

Z E L A Z O S K IWood Products, Inc.

Zelazoski Wood Products began as Thomas Zelazoski Manufacturing Company in 1924 in a vacant blacksmith shop in Antigo, Wisconsin. With only four employees, the company manufactured mostly farm related items. By 1928, the company started producing blocks for the brush and broom industry. The business continued growing and the company was moved to a larger facility in 1940. The brush and broom blocks became a main product for the company, yet farm equipment, crutches, and cutlery racks for WestBend kept the production schedule full.

Tom and his two sons, Clarence and Bernard, incorporated the company in 1958 declaring the company name Zelazoski Wood Products, Inc.

In the early 1990s, production was growing so fast, that even the new facility grew too small. A new structure was built in the Spring of 1997, allowing all production to come together under one roof. Warehousing and customer service were also expanded.

Today the company is owned by five of Tom’s grandsons who are active in the business. In 2005-2006, they started lathing billots into bats, from start to finish. These weren’t just any bats, they were The RockBat. Not only did they grade and cut the wood, but they also finished the wood and completed the lettering and engraving.

Roland Hernandes, former Research Engineer with USDA Forest Service, realized the problem with the bats was that they were breaking. He made it his personal quest to make them stronger, which in turn would make them a better product.

RockBats has been promoting maple bats with face-grain contact since 2004, and in 2006 they trademarked the technology as FORCE technology, which stands for Face-ORiented-Contact-Energy.

For the past hundred years, the rule of thumb for Ash bats was hitting with the logo up so that contact would occur on the edge grain. RockBats was the first to determine and recommend that flat-grain contact is the stronger and preferred orientation for maple bats in 2005. It was difficult to convince players and the industry that it was the best given previous conceptions.

Zelazoski Wood Products has always been a part of the green environment industry. Since 1978 the plant has burned its own wood scraps for fuel to heat their facility. At every machine in the building is a built-in suction system that carries scraps throughout the building into a container outside. The new building recirculates the already heated air once every seven minutes as to not waste energy.

“We were green before it was cool.” Ben Zelazoski

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e Spotlightby Xang Lor

NON-TRADITIONAL OCCUPATIONSNon-Traditional Occupations are those in which women or men comprise 25% or less of the total employed in a particular field.

Women in Technology and Trades occupations are frequently defined as non-traditional. The chart below lists some of the career program paths available at Northcentral Technical College (NTC). All the occupations listed identify women as being less than 25% of the workforce across the nation.

Nontraditional Occupations of Emplyes Women in 2010 Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Annual Average in 2010. (numbers in thousands)

OccupationTotal Employed

(Both Sexes)Total Employed

(Women)Percent

(Female)Agricultural farmers & ranchers 1,641 348.2 21.2Architects 184 44.9 24.4Printing machine operators 162 34.8 21.5Machinists 408 15.9 3.9Drafters 143 30.6 21.4Industrial Engineers 159 31.8 20Engineering Technicians 374 49.4 13.2Engineer, all other 334 43.1 12.9Mechanical engineers 293 19.6 6.7Welding, soldering, & brazing workers 479 25.9 5.4Construction laborers 1,267 34.2 2.7Small engine mechanics 57 1.1 2Carpenters 1,242 17.4 1.4Automotive body & related repairs 168 2 1.2Tool and die makers 68 0.6 0.9HVAC 392 2.3 0.6

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When considering a career path, it is worthwhile for women to investigate a non-traditional Technology and Trades occupation.

1. Non-traditional jobs for women are often better paying by sometimes 20 – 30%. This is partly because these jobs are in high-growth fields, and historically they were frequently held by the “bread-winner”. Today women play an integral role in their family’s financial security. More women are heads of families and many families are dependent on two incomes.

2. Many of the non-traditional Technical and Trades jobs require no more than two years of formal education, allowing a woman to enter the workforce quickly.

3. These non-traditional occupations are often interesting and challenging which may lead to an increased sense of job satisfaction.

For many people making a career decision is not easy. Both men and women may find themselves exploring areas traditionally held by one gender. And looking beyond the traditional career paths may lead to a very rewarding and exciting career.

Manufacturers of

P.O. BOX 506835 Ninth Ave

Antigo, WI 54409715-627-4804800-240-0974

Fax 715-627-2347e-mail: mail@zwpi.com

Producers of fine quality Brush Blocks, Mouldings, turnings, finished

Parts, glued and asseMBled Parts, handles, and sPecialty iteMs.

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e Commerce

The Greenheck Fan Corporation: Building Value in Air Worldwide

Over sixty years ago, Bob and Bernie Greenheck opened a small sheet metal shop in Schofield, Wisconsin. Today, Greenheck is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of efficient, high quality air movement and control equipment. Every day, mechanical engineers specify Greenheck’s fans and other air movement products as part of a building’s total ventilation system. The products help to improve indoor air comfort and reduce energy costs by efficiently circulating clean, fresh air and exhausting undesirable air in schools, hospitals, offices, restaurants, government institutions and many other types of buildings. By moving air in, out and around a building, indoor environments are more comfortable, productive and healthy.

With annual sales approaching one half billion dollars, Greenheck continues to be headquartered in Schofield where 1,900 employees design, manufacture and ship the industry’s widest selection of ventilation equipment. Greenheck’s state-of-the art manufacturing facilities in Schofield have continued to expand and now occupy over one million square feet of space. Greenheck also has manufacturing facilities in Frankfort, KY, Sacramento, CA, Minneapolis, MN, Somerville, TN, Kings Mountain, NC, Coahuila, Mexico and Shanghai, China as well as five distribution centers strategically located throughout the U.S. Five hundred additional Greenheck employees work at those plants outside Wisconsin and at Greenheck’s distribution centers and offices around the world for a total work force of 2,400.

Outstanding Customer Service

Greenheck strives to be the easiest company to do business with and its network of 250 U.S. manufacturing representatives and 62 international representatives reflect that value as well when serving the ventilation needs of the mechanical engineers, architects and contractors they serve in each of their local markets.

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e Instructionby Kati Hohensee

NTC’sWood Technology Center of ExcellenceLocated in Antigo

In its first semester, the Antigo Wood Technology Center of Excellence has 13 students enrolled in classes. These students have the options of working towards a Basic Wood Manufacturing Certificate, a Wood Manufacturing Technologies Technical Diploma, or a Wood Processes Associate Degree. The Wood Technology program is committed to the woods product industry by providing training in wood manufacturing technology, innovation and commerce to program students and incumbent workers. Boasting a cutting edge 27,000 square foot brand new facility complete with a 15,000 square foot wood lab, the NTC Wood Technology Center of Excellence provides state-of-the-art equipment for hands on training.

Students that study at the Antigo Wood Technology Center of Excellence learn a variety of skills including:

• Log grading and scaling

• Lumber grading

• Wood identification

• Programming optimizing machine centers

• Safely operating technologically advanced wood manufacturing machine centers

• Testing the physical and mechanical properties of solid wood and wood composites

• Dry kiln operation

• Wood preservative applications

• Product design, engineering, and manufacturing

• Lean manufacturing principles

• Sales and marketing principles and techniques

• Blueprint reading

• Supervisory and managerial skills

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In Northcentral Wisconsin, there are many job opportunities that graduating students can explore. The Antigo Wood Center of Excellence works closely with all types of businesses, including:

• Sawmills

• Hardwood flooring manufacturing

• Window and door manufacturers

• Furniture and cabinet manufacturers

• Retail lumber yards

• Moulding and millwork manufacturers

• Wholesale distribution companies

• Wood composite manufacturers

• Wood biofuels firms

Students will be able to apply for jobs in different areas including machine operation, sales, laboratory testing, management training, and designing. With less than 400 students graduating a year from

wood products programs nationally, students will be sought out for employment.

• The Wood Programs offered at the NTC Wood Technology Center of Excellence are unique to the Wisconsin Technical College System and are NOT offered anywhere else in the state.

• Wisconsin is the top state in the nation for wood related jobs, employing over 61,000 workers.

• The Langlade county region, where the Wood Technology Center of Excellence is located, is one of the world-wide leaders in forest products manufacturing.

For more information on NTC’s wood programs or to apply, contact:

Kimmie Kretz, Enrollment Advisor 715.623.7601, Ext. 7308 312 Forrest Avenue, Antigo, WI 54409

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e Facts ata Glance

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The Wisconsin River is what first drew settlers to the area during the mid-19th century, which was known as “Big Bull Flats” or “Big Bull Falls” by the original French explorers. The long rapids created many bubbles (“bulle” in French). Wausau means “a faraway place” or “a place which can be seen from far away” in the Ojibwe language.

George Stevens began processing the pine forests into lumber in 1840. Subsequently, other sawmills along the Wisconsin River began to spring up as well. By 1846, Walter McIndoe arrived and took the lead in the local business and community. His efforts helped, in part, to establish Marathon County in 1850.

from Wausau facts & topics

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me Spotlight

by Jessica Scott

Mechanical DesignMechanical designers combine

creative ideas and technical skills using computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop new products, design prototypes, build digital models and solve dimensional design problems.

They begin with an idea, create a detailed design, then send the design off to drawing production. Mechanical design and drafting are widely used to create artwork for automotive design, electrical circuit diagrams, architectural plans, mechanical engineering drawings, and can help accelerate the development of products.

Mechanical design improves correctness and efficiency, and provides easy interface inspection. Mechanical designers use CAD because it handles the various requirements of mechanical and electrical designers.

Mechanical design can be used to create assembly drawings for all types of mechanical assemblies, architectural diagrams, and structural engineers. These drawings can then be transformed into perfectly accurate multi-layered CAD drawings.

Mechanical designers offer many services, including 3D assembly modeling of automotive components, aviation parts automated assembly line, 3D manufacturing components and their assembly, product design and modeling, surfacing, animation, and 3D sectional views of pipe selection, industrial air blower, aircraft wings, and engine block assembly.

Mechanical designers are really important to companies because they help speed development and increase profits through faster conception toward market times. Mechanical design solutions can provide faster product

delivery and overall management of the whole application infrastructure.

A minimum of an associate’s degree is required to work in the mechanical design industry. Whether a student chooses to obtain their degree through a university, technical college, private design or art school, courses are generally the same. They focus on aspects of design, including 2D design, 3D design, orbiting, drafting, engineering, architecture, special effects, mapping, graphics, documentation, arts, and construction.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of industrial and commercial designers is anticipated to grow through 2014. The projected growth in jobs is due to an expanding economy and an increase in business and consumer demand for upgraded or new products. The average salary for mechanical designers with an associate’s degree is roughly $40,000 annually in the United States.

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When we think of the term lumberjack, more often than not, Paul Bunyan comes to mind. Paul Bunyan is a mythical character whose best friend is a gigantic blue ox named Babe. Many tales have been written about Paul Bunyan and his colossal build and massively unique lumber jacking skills. From fictional characters to reality, the wood industry surrounds our entire way of life

Woodworking is the process of building, making, or carving something out of wood. Woodworking can be traced back to the primitive era . Ancient tribes created tools for hunting and building homes out of wood. Primitive tribes mainly created woodworking crafts that could be utilized for survival.

In early civilizations, woodworking was dominated by the Egyptians and the Chinese. Most early forms were presented in Egyptian drawings and furniture. Some of this furniture has been preserved in tombs. Egyptians also invented the art of veneering and varnishing; however, the ingredients they used for varnish is unknown to this day.

In early Chinese civilization, “Lu Ban” and his wife “Lady Yun” were known as the originators of woodworking. Both were from the “Spring and Autumn” period of Chinese civilization, which is between 722B.C. and 481 B.C. Lu Ban’s teachings are said to be the foundation of the Chinese woodworking craft. All of his teachings are documented, complete with dimensions for various projects, in his book Lu Ban Jing, or Manuscript of Lu Ban. He is also credited for bringing the plane, chalk line, and other tools to China. Hand carved trinkets and intricate woodworking skills are still prevalent among the Chinese today.

Among the first early finds of wooden tools are the worked sticks from Kalambo Falls, Clacton-on-Sea, and Lehringen. The spears from the Schoningen (Germany) provide some of the first examples of wooden hunting gear. Commonly used woodworking tools also include axes, adzes, chisels, pull saws, and bow drills. During the Pre-dynastic period, mortise and tenon joints were incorporated into woodworking. The joints were strengthened using pegs, dowels, and leather or cord lashings. It wasn’t until much later that people started using animal glue.

Woodworkers relied upon the woods that were native to their region. It wasn’t until transportation and trade innovations made more exotic woods available to them.

Logging was an early innovation. Water made it easy to move timber to mills as well as overseas. Many towns were built around logging mills. As time went on, loggers were forced to move their work farther inland. At the time they used a two-man saw and crews could only cut a couple dozen logs a day. Today logging production has increased massively due to the invention of chain saws and machines that can cut acres in a day. Instead of using rivers for transportation, trucks run day and night to take the logs to the mills.

The use of forest products is growing yearly. According to the World Bank, the woods industry is an estimated 270 billion dollar a year business. The wood industry includes everything from paper to building materials. The use of wood products has a projected growth of 20% by 2014.

Woodworking isn’t just home building. It is an intricately detailed form of art dating back to primitive times. The next time you’re admiring a beautiful set of cabinets or dresser, take the time to appreciate the time and effort it actually takes to create such a masterpiece.

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WorkforceDevelopment

Gold Collar Careers: Preparing for the future by inspiring the skilled workers of tomorrow

Gold Collar Careers (GCC) are high-tech manufacturing jobs that push the limits of technology by demanding employees that are bright individuals who understand and embrace the latest machining, electronic, computer and other technologies. These careers also require people that are creative thinkers with applied, hands-on abilities to solve problems and get things done.

Manufacturing careers are the focus of GCC because of the highly technical nature the industry is now incorporating into its processes, products, and production. From products in our cars and houses, to TVs, video games, iPods, DVDs and cell phones, technology is infused in all aspects of manufacturing. The GCC initiative is geared at increasing the awareness of these advanced manufacturing careers while integrating the latest technology within its components.

GCC highlight the following occupations:

• Robotics & Automation Technology

• Electromechanical / Maintenance Technology

• Mechanical Design

• Information Technology

• Machine Tool Technology

• Welding & Fabrication

• Engineering Technology

• Nano & Biotechnology

Northcentral Technical College incorporates several aspects of the latest technology within its current program offerings and will continue to implement the GCC aspects while developing programming for our new Manufacturing Center of Excellence located on the Wausau campus.

Manufacturing is an excellent career path with several local, state, and national career opportunities available for recent graduates. Contact NTC today to learn more about how industry, parents, and students can be more involved with Gold Collar Careers or visit www.goldcollarcareers.com for additional videos and information.

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e Cautionby Emily Drewek

Safety Corner

When working with wood there are many safety precautions that you need to take. It doesn’t matter if you are cutting down trees or just inspecting trees to decide which ones to cut down or manufacture. Wood is a very dangerous material to work with and being safe is the number one concern.

When you are the person cutting down the trees you need to know many different safety rules and different things about the trees. Make sure that you are always wearing safety goggles, a hard hat, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and close fitting clothing. These are all recommended because when you are working with falling trees and a chain saw you want to be a hundred percent protected. When you are cutting down trees you should always first look and inspect the tree to see which way it is leaning and the way it will fall. If you are unsure of which way it will fall you can always use a wedge to help it fall the way you want.

Once the tree is cut down it is taken to a sawmill to get processed and all the bark taken off. A neat fact about what some people do before taking them to sawmills is if they aren’t going to be taken to the sawmill right away people will store their logs in ponds so they don’t dry out. When you are working in the log yards it is important that you wear safety goggles, a hard hat, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hearing protection, and fitted clothing. Always make sure to keep an eye out for moving equipment. Never turn your back to a pile of logs and always make sure that the log piles are neat and manageable.

At sawmills there are many different machines that are operated. Some machines are the infeed decks, debarker, head saw, edgers and trim saws, chipper, and dry kilns. All safety equipment is the same for all the machines. The safety equipment includes: safety goggles, hard hats, gloves, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hearing protection, and fitted clothing. Before running any of these machines you must check that it is properly set up and no wood pieces are jammed in any part of the machine. Also before doing any maintenance on any of these machines you must first check to see that it is locked and tagged out.

When treating wood you should wear goggles to protect your eyes from any loose wood particles and from the chemicals being used. You should also wear gloves and overalls to protect your skin from the chemicals. When treating wood you must know what wood to treat because if it is going to come in contact with food or animal food it cannot be treated. Also if it is going to be come in contact with drinking water it must not be treated unless it is incidental contact such as docks and bridges.

Overall, working with wood is a difficult job and many safety precautions need to be taken before doing your job. You must also know how different types of wood are going to be used so you know what wood is allowed to be treated and which wood is not. Always be safe when working with wood and always wear your safety gear.

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tim

e Spot Lightby Elise Cox

Recreation/Leisure

Opened in 1937, Granite Peak Ski Area was one of the first ski areas in North America. Located on Rib Mountain, it is the second highest point in Wisconsin and at 700 feet is the tallest mountain in Wisconsin. Rib Mountain State Park encompasses 1200 acres–400 for the ski area and 800 for other general park uses.

Over the years Granite Peak Ski Area has made spectacular improvements and in October 2010 was named “#1 Park in the Midwest” by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine. Open from mid November to the end of March, the ski area has 74 runs with terrain for all abilities including a wide open area for beginner skiers, mile long intermediate runs, two mogul runs, five terrain parks, and super steep expert chutes and tree skiing glades. In the five parks there are 35 jibs and 15 jumps. In the 2010/2011 season additions included the new Tyro Progression Park and Show Time Park which confirms its rating in having the largest and best maintained parks in the Midwest. The hill is groomed and maintained round the clock and has 500 snow guns to guarantee the best skiing/boarding environment.

Granite Peak has also added seven new lifts in the last nine years. This includes the longest high-speed lift in the Midwest, the “Comet Express,” which offers access to one-third of the terrain; a dedicated beginner’s chair lift; and a

new Star Lift Wonder Carpet that’s a specialized conveyor belt tailored for learning skiers and boarders—great for kids.

Granite Peak has an amazing base village with a newer 10,000 sq. ft. Sundance Chalet with two fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and floor to ceiling windows looking out to the hill. In the off season the Sundance Chalet can be used for weddings and catering groups of up to 300 people. They also have a fully refurbished Historic Stone Chalet with an upstairs Lounge Area, Granite Ski and Sports Ski Shop that sells outerwear, accessories and souvenir gifts; Peak Performance Demos and Tuning Center to get equipment waxed, binding screws or other equipment accessories; Alpine Learning Center offering lessons for children and adults and book lessons available online; and, of course, the Mountain Rental Shop which offers a fleet of top quality gear and has certified, experienced rental technicians to help your every need.

You can easily save $100 or more using Lift and Lodging packages when you visit the web site at www.skigranitepeak.com. Order your lift tickets, lodging, rentals and lessons all at the same time. Granite Peak also holds events like rail jams, video contests, German Fest and much more. It’s a great place to enjoy the winter months with family and friends.

Granite Peak Ski Area

The Wausau Area has a variety of winter attractions for the family including cross-country skiing, tubing, sledding, and ice skating. Here are some areas to check out:

• Granite Peak Ski Area-3605 N Mountain Rd (715) 845-2846

• Nine Mile Forest (Cross-Country Ski Area)-8704 Red Bud Road (715) 693-3001

• Sylvin Tubing Hill (with Cross-Country trail)-1329 Sylvin St (715) 573-2424

Sledding Hills: FREE

• ”3M” Park-405 Park Blvd (lighted at night)

• Pleasant View Park-1221 Sumner St (lighted at night)

• Riverside Park-100 Sherman St

• Schofield Park-606 E Randolf St

Outdoor Ice Skating: All include a warming house except John Marshall

• 400 Block-Downtown Wausau• Brockmeyer Park-4300 Stettin Dr

• Grant Elementary School-500 N 4th Ave

• John Marshall School-1918 Lamont St

• Riverview School-4303 E Troy St

UW-Stout offers 4yr Engineering Technology program at NTC!

Hello, I am Ron Thomas, MS, MSPM, PE. I am the UW-Stout onsite lecturer and advisor for the collaborative program. My office is conveniently co-located in F103 with the Technology – Trades Division offices at NTC in Wausau. The transfer agreement allows graduates from NTC’s AAS in Mechanical Design to

transfer directly to UW-Stout’s BS in Engineering Technology - Mechanical Design concentration. Typically to earn your BS, you will need to complete an additional 72 credits of general education, professional studies, and advanced mechanical design. Other AAS degrees, such as ElectroMechanical or Electronics - Controls and Instrumentation, are welcome to apply for the program. Each application to the Wausau program will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to first determine transferability and then to develop a flexible plan that meets your education and life goals. Call me to discuss your career plans at 715-675-3331x4675 or by email at thomasr@uwstout.edu. More information can be found on the web at BSET at Wausau - B.S. Degree in Engineering Technology - UW Stout.

28 time ¬fall 2011

Central Wisconsin’s Industrial & Trade MagazineKeeping you in touch with Central Wisconsin’s Manuracturing & Trade Industries

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