Katherine Olives
What is Mechanical/Advanced Manufacturing?
The Zahn Innovation Centers Mechanical Advanced Manufacturing (AM) Pod is part of our apprenticeship program. The pod aims to help students learn how to take a concept to plan, design, and manufacture that idea into a working product. The main goal is to create the stages of a manufacturing system that produces a product in the most time-efficient and cost-effective way. Essentially everything we use in our daily lives is man-made, or manufactured. Currently, many manufacturing engineers work in the automation, aerospace, and the computer industry, among others. However, this skill is also implemented within the food processing, clothing, toy, and film industries.
The Mechanical Manufacturing Leader, Anis Halani
Our Mechanical/AM pod is led by Anis Halani, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering here at CCNY. As the pods assistant engineer, he manages and supervises all apprentices during the stages of product development. He also holds the responsibility of ensuring that apprentices grow as students and professionals by assisting them in developing essential skills such as research and time management. Anis was first attracted to join the Apprenticeship Program after hearing about it through a friend who was already an apprentice at Zahn. Now, Anis believes this program has helped him grow immensely both academically and professionally. He states that the Apprenticeship Program has given him, a platform where [he] can take what [he] learned [in class] and use it to create real-life objects that serve a purpose. Anis has also hosted and attended many workshops such as public speaking, resume building, and more, and has also learned from others within the program. Above all, Anis emphasizes that, through the Apprenticeship Program, he learned to Dream, Design and Develop, and that no challenge is impossible.
Thoughts from Simeon, a freshman apprentice
The mechanical manufacturing pod is made up of many proactive students whove joined to get a head start on their professional careers. One is Simeon, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering. A typical day in the program for Simeon includes building products using Solidworks and CAD software, and producing them through 3D printing and laser cutting. Simeons most valuable takeaway from the program is that although hes just a freshman, hes getting a head start on engineering classes hes yet to take later in his academics. Hes also made a lot of valuable connections within the program which has led to lifelong friends.
When asked what advice he had for prospective student apprentices, he advised everyone, especially freshmen like him to, go for it since it provides you with good experience at an early stage.
Future Projects
Currently, the Mechanical/AM Pod is manufacturing a life-size robot replica of R2D2 from Star Wars, which will mimic all of his mechanical functions from the films. Everyday, the apprentices collaborate to design, print, and cut out the robots pieces. As pod leader, Anis stated that he values other apprentices the most since they offer, innovative ideas that if [he] would not have thought of if he were working by [himself]. If youre interested in joining the mechanical/AM pod, Anis advises, go outside of your comfort zone [because] thats when you will be challenged.
Interested in growing your skills in mechanical and advanced manufacturing or other fields including marketing, electrical engineering, and CAD? Consider joining the Zahn Apprenticeship Program! Applications are now open, and you can apply here: zahncenternyc.com/apprenticeship