A three-session course gives College of Engineering students the opportunity to use the Maker Garage, the college’s newest makerspace.

The Makers Course Module 1 meets on Jan. 14, 16 and 21, 2020. This basic shop safety course introduces students to hand and power tools as well as bench-mounted power equipment. It is offered through VCU’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education and is available only to VCU Engineering students. The cost of Module 1 is $40.

Successful completion of this course gives students Module I certification and general shop access to the Maker Garage, where they can work on projects related to Capstone Design, Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) and other college-related assignments. Access to more advanced equipment will require completion of Modules 2 and 3.

Those who complete Module 1 will be eligible to enroll in Module 2, a four-session course offered in February 2020. The second module provides intermediate training in shop safety, blueprint/schematic reading and precision measuring. Students will also gain skills and knowledge for advanced drilling, sawing and thread-cutting operations.

Students who complete Modules 1 and 2 may enroll in the final module, which covers manual mill and lathe operation. Upon completion of all three modules, students will have practical, hands-on training and experience in  manufacturing processes associated with machine shop and industrial equipment. Graduates of all three modules may be eligible to become innovation makerspace trainers in the Maker Garage.