High School Students Build Fender Stratocaster Guitars in Cerritos College Class

NORWALK, Calif. - June 9, 2013 - PRLog -- Students learned how to develop a guitar from start to finish. The students learned vital skills for product development, fabrication, electrical components, Machine Tool Technology, and Woodworking Technology.

Cerritos College Pathway Programs Department’s mission is to create educational and career pathways for in and out of school youth, and young adults by providing a seamless transition from secondary to post-secondary education, and the skilled workforce.

Pathway Programs include career exploration, articulation agreements, concurrent enrollment, college readiness bridge programs, recruitment, parent presentations, enrichment workshops, and support services. The programs encourage students to pursue and successfully complete post-secondary degrees and industry valued certification, while increasing student engagement and achievement.

Pathway Programs offered their first Guitar Making Class for high school students. The students learned how to model products in 3D using Gibbscam software, created virtual tool paths, digitally verified the feasibility of the project, transferred the file to CNC machine, machined guitar base and neck, performed sanding and finishing operation by hand, designed and painted the guitar, assembled electronic components in guitar, and tested final product.

“The students mastered the skills necessary for the creation of the project in GibbsCAM CAD/CAM software very quickly.  Once the guitar was 3D modeled in the computer, the class enthusiastically proceeded to build the project,” said instructor, Mario Guerrero. “And they finished the class with a fully functional electric guitar. Programs such as the Pathways Project are instrumental in developing interest in our country's high tech manufacturing sector which can provide a solid career path."

Pathway Programs offers a variety of classes to middle school and high school students. If you are interested attending a class, visit us online at http://cms.cerritos.edu/pathways and https://www.facebook.com/pathwayprograms or call us at (562) 860-2451 Ext. 2487 or email the Director of Pathway Programs, Maggie Cordero, at MCordero@cerritos.edu (mailto:sheapy@cerritos.edu).