Continuing and Professional Education

Looking to learn a new skill, turn your creative ideas into reality or take your DIY abilities to the next level? Join Virginia Commonwealth University’s Makerspace training courses this summer for an opportunity to learn fabrication techniques, tool safety and design practices in a cutting-edge engineering environment. 

Whether you’re dreaming up your first 3D-printed prototype or fine-tuning a metal part for a design project, VCU’s Makerspace training courses offer participants something rare: the chance to bring their ideas to life – with their own two hands. 

Charles Cartin, Ph.D., director of Makerspaces and professor of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at VCU, said the core mission of the Makerspace is to bridge the gap between theory and practice. 

“We actually introduce students to hand tools, portable power tools, benchtop mounted power tools, additive manufacturing (3D printing), laser systems, design and fabrication techniques, manual mill and lathe setup and operation, operational safety protocols, and various other types of tools and equipment that is onsite, where they learn how to use these items for themselves,” Cartin said. 

Cooper Hawkins, a recent VCU mechanical engineering graduate, said the Makerspace training courses not only bridged the gap, but it also led to his current job. 

“Once you have those trainings, you can sort of get into some of the more niche areas,” Hawkins said. “Truly just having the experience of a Module 3 or anything like that you can sort of branch out and get into these new fields. And for me, messing around and doing sheet metal work for Ram Racing has led me to my current job.”

No experience? No problem. 

The modules offered build upon one another, giving students more advanced skills as they progress. The 3D Printing and Laser Cutting training workshops also teach participants the fundamentals for their use. While many engineering students enroll in the courses, other students are also welcome to register. 

“Right now, over the summer, we're offering the 3D printing and laser cutting workshop and Module 1 training that's pretty much entry level,” Cartin said. “Every class is slightly unique and different to accommodate learning styles and skill set level, because you have some [students] that may already understand some of the basic concepts of the tools and equipment, [and] some that have never worked with the type of tools and equipment we have in the makerspaces.”

Will McInnes, a second-year mechanical engineering student, said he recommends the training courses for both engineering students and those outside the department because “there's not many places that you can work with metal lathes.”

“One of the best things that you can do, just as a person in general, is becoming a well-rounded individual,” McInnes said. “There are skills that you can learn in the Makerspace training, or just in that area in general, that I think would flesh out your resume.” 

Learn more about upcoming sessions for the Makerspace training courses.