SpaceX Donation and Facility Tour Give Students Hands-on Learning Experiences
The Cerritos College Plastics Manufacturing Technology Department received composite materials worth approximately $55,000, donated by SpaceX. Donated
materials are carbon, Kevlar, and fiberglass prepregs, which are used for SpaceX rockets
and spaceships. The items will be used for composite fabrication and repair in lab
classes.
"Thanks to the generous donation by our industry partners like SpaceX, our students
get hands-on experience working with advanced composites,” said Dr. Miodrag “Mickey”
Micic, department chair. “Students can add their work and projects to their portfolio,
and showcase their advanced composites manufacturing skills to get ahead in the job
market.”
In addition, students in the Plastics Manufacturing Technology Program recently visited
the SpaceX headquarters and the manufacturing facilities in El Segundo. Led by Dr.
Micic and Instructor Barrett Fitzgerald, the students had the opportunity to see the
manufacturing process of space launch vehicles and rocket engines, and the assembly
of the Dragon capsule. The tour provided the students with a better understanding
of composites manufacturing jobs.
The Cerritos College Plastics Manufacturing Program is the only program in California
that offers composites manufacturing certificate of achievement and A.A. degree.
“There is a great demand for composites manufacturing experts in aerospace, automotive,
medical and consumer products industries, and our students and alumni are highly sought
after, “said Dr. Micic.
Stay Connected