DevLee

State of Alabama, Auburn High School, the City of Auburn, and Alabama Power Team Players in Workforce Development

Auburn, Ala. – Governor Bob Riley test drove a new electric vehicle constructed by the Industrial Systems Technology students at Auburn High School on Monday, May 4 at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. The car is the direct result of two semesters’ worth of work by Auburn High School students and more than six years’ worth of work by the State of Alabama, the City of Auburn, Auburn City Schools, and area industry.
In 2003, the City of Auburn Economic Development Department identified a growing need for a skilled workforce in East Alabama. To intervene in the workforce supply chain early, the Workforce Development Division, Auburn City Schools, the State Department of Education, and area industry partnered together to develop an Industrial Technology curriculum at Auburn High School. Taking an unconventional, but effective approach to the curriculum, officials hired a qualified instructor from local industry to teach classes in Industrial Systems Technology. This non-traditional instructor works closely with area industry to identify the knowledge skills needed in today’s rapidly changing, technology-based manufacturing environment. Instruction includes courses in Introduction to Manufacturing, Industrial Mechanics and Pneumatics, and Precision Machining. Lessons in workplace readiness, financial literacy, and fundamentals of leadership and character are also covered through an integrated Junior Achievement curriculum (Success Skills). In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in a variety of hands-on activities. This year, in partnership with Alabama Power, students embarked on a project to create affordable and efficient personal urban transportation. The result: the first-ever student-constructed electric vehicle (EV) in the State of Alabama. Preliminary research revealed the majority of automobile trips in the US are by one person driving less than 35 miles. After a thorough analysis, students decided the range, price, and efficiency offered by Blue Sky Design’s EV kit was the perfect fit. The EV, called the BugE, operates at a cost of one cent per mile. For the same cost and energy consumption it takes to run one load of dishes through an automatic dishwasher, the BugE can travel up to 25 miles. Depending on driving conditions, the BugE can average 30 miles of travel on one complete charge. Inherent torque from the electric motor allows for rapid acceleration with a top speed of 50 mph. Titus Lindsey, manager of Alabama Power’s office in Auburn, said the partnership fits nicely with the company’s focus on supporting education and job training, economic development and research into environmentally friendly technologies. “We are pleased to be a part of such an important initiative,” he said. With three wheels total, two in the front and one in the back, the BugE is classified and licensed as a motorcycle but provides greater stability and weather protection than traditional motorcycles. A single piece canopy protects the driver from wind and rain and with the press of a button tilts upward for effortless entry and exit. The onboard charger connects via a retractable cord stored in the front “trunk.” The vehicle can be easily recharged via a standard household electrical outlet. A total of 48 students constructed the EV over a period of two semesters. Along the way, students encountered obstacles that required situational analysis and problem-solving. A combination of manufacturing and assembly, drive train fundamentals, and electrical theory and practice made this a challenging, but worthwhile undertaking. Students gained invaluable lessons in financial planning and management, teamwork, problem solving, time management, and decision making that will prove useful in their future academic pursuits and careers. Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. commented, “The City of Auburn is extremely proud of the work these students have put into the electric vehicle. This project is the culmination of a partnership between government, education, and industry. We can accomplish amazing things when we work together for the betterment of our youth and, in turn, our community. Thanks to Auburn City Schools, Alabama Power, and local industry, we are equipping these students with the skills necessary to enter the workforce and become productive members of our society.” For more information, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/atc or contact the City of Auburn Workforce Development Division at 501-7300.