PJC to Start 3-D Printing Program with Grant

Published or Revised January 27, 2015

The first community college 3-D printing program in Texas will launch at Paris Junior College, thanks to a Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant of $349,114. This joins another recent JET grant of $345,164 to upgrade the PJC welding program. The new 3-D printing technology will affect the skill sets workers must have, so PJC is in the forefront of the state in creating this training program. There is a shortage of trained employees for the design operations of manufacturing companies in Northeast Texas. There are also projected job vacancies statewide in this high-skill, high-wage manufacturing sector. “We strive to have training available to meet the needs of industry and to aid in economic development,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. PJC's drafting program will incorporate 3-D printing, and a stand-alone 3-D printing certificate program will be created as a result of this grant. Acquisition of 20 3-D printers will be funded. Forty workstations and supporting materials and licenses will also be purchased. The grant application was supported by Hayter Engineering, Turner Industries, Rodgers Wade, Five-G Consulting, the Sulphur Springs Hopkins County Economic Development Council, Bodyguard Products, XSF-Xtreme Structures and the Northeast Texas Workforce Development Board. The April JET grant of $345,164 will upgrade equipment for the welding program and facilitate expansion for the college service area. That grant will purchase 24 multiprocess machines, a metal shear, plasma torches, two new track torches, a pipe beveler, an Amatrol robotics learning system, and supporting materials. Area businesses supporting the welding program grant included PJ Trailers, Turner Industries, the Sulphur Springs Hopkins County Economic Development Council, Harrison, Walker & Harper, XSF-Xtreme Structures, and the Northeast Texas Workforce Development Board. JET's Job Building Fund provides grants to community colleges to acquire equipment needed to train workers for high growth industries throughout the state in an era of rapidly increasing enrollment. The funds are intended for cutting-edge equipment needed for high demand career and technical education programs at Texas public community colleges and technical schools. For more information about the programs call 903-782-0381.