John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center

A laser brings career and technical education program to the next level.

The John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center is a full-time vocational technical center. They have provided quality training courses to Hancock County West Virginia for the past 27 years.

The Challenge:

Finding and utilizing technological equipment that can expand curriculum and provide hands-on experience to students. The JDR Career Center wanted to take their Career and Technical Education program to the next level.

Additionally, since laser engraving systems offer a wealth of business opportunities, the career center also wanted to find and utilize equipment that could parlay into the introduction of “Entrepreneurship Education” program to students. When it comes to education, keeping up with technology and offering students the most advanced learning opportunities is key. With help from Epilog Laser, the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center has both enhanced its course offerings and provided additional opportunities for students – both inside the classroom and out.

The Solution:

In pursuing the most current technology, the JDRIV Career Center chose a 45-watt Helix Laser to incorporate into some of their training courses.The Career Center placed Steve Shannon, instructor of building construction, in charge of the machine. He has had the opportunity to not only learn to use the machine himself, but has also played an integral part in helping students learn to use it.

“The students are all very eager to learn to use the laser,” Shannon said. “Not only are they intrigued by how it works, but they also realize the many opportunities that a laser machine opens for them out in the world. Some of them see it and immediately think of how to start a small business using it, while some see it as a useful tool for existing enterprises,” Shannon said.

"Epilog has been very helpful before and after our purchase. Everyone was very knowledgeable and helpful - not only before we purchased the laser but also after it was up and running. It shows they genuinely care about their customers and their needs.” said Danford. The Career Center has already found many uses for the laser in many of their training programs.

They’ve even begun finding new uses for it in courses one may not immediately associate with laser cutting and engraving. Mr. Shannon worked with a geometry class in cutting out shapes for a project. The students were amazed at how detailed the laser was able to make the shapes they needed” said Danford. The number of things we could find to use this machine for are countless!”

The results:

“There isn’t a program offered today which hasn’t been changed with the incorporation of technology. This is why we purchased an Epilog Laser system, and it has definitely improved our curriculum,” said George Danford, director of the career center.