Manufacturing Essentials
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This 40 to 50 Hrs. (Depending on which format is used), course provides basic, foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for modern manufacturing environments. Covering eight key topics, the course is designed for individuals entering the manufacturing field, as well as current employees seeking to improve or gain new skills. The curriculum is particularly relevant for those involved in aerospace, automotive, defense, and other high-tech industries. The topics include soft skills, manufacturing safety, quality standards, precision measurement, blueprint reading, principles of mechanical/electrical assembly, electric and pneumatic tool usage, and machine shop equipment usage and fabrication.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The Manufacturing Essentials course aims to equip participants with the fundamental skills and knowledge required in modern manufacturing production such as effective communication and teamwork. The course enhances understanding of manufacturing safety protocols and quality standards, develops proficiency in precision measurement and blueprint reading, and introduces the principles of mechanical and electrical assembly. It provides hands-on experience with power and pneumatic tools and familiarizes participants with machine shop equipment and basic fabrication techniques. Additionally, the course promotes essential soft skills, including communication, teamwork to ensure a well-rounded approach to manufacturing education. By preparing participants to meet industry requirements, this course enhances their employability and readiness for the manufacturing workforce.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1.0 Soft Skills
1.1 Develop effective communication and teamwork skills. (3)
1.2 Describe the importance of professional conduct and workplace etiquette (1)
2.0 Manufacturing Safety
2.1 Identify and follow manufacturing safety protocols and procedures. (2)
2.2 Recognize and mitigate potential hazards using personal protective equipment (PPE). (1)
2.3 Interpret information found in safety data sheets (SDS). (3)
2.4 Identify lock-out/tag-out procedures. (2)
3.0 Quality Standards
3.1 Discuss the significance of quality standards in manufacturing. (2)
3.2 Describe methodologies such as 5S and Kaizen, systems to ensure product compliance and process improvement. (2)
4.0 Precision Measurement
4.1 Demonstrate understanding and use of Machine shop 3 to 4 decimal numbers. (3)
4.2 Differentiate between Inch based and Metric systems of measurements for Manufacturing (4)
4.3 Demonstrate proper reading of rulers and scales used in manufacturing. (3)
4.4 Use precision measurement tools such as rulers, scales, tape measures, dial indicators, calipers, micrometers, and square gauge block sets. (3)
4.5 Interpret measurement data accurately to ensure component accuracy. (3)
5.0 Blueprint Reading
5.1 Explain and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints. (2)
5.2 Describe line type, dimensions, tolerances, views, notes, fittings, CAD/CAM overview, blueprint standards, title block, revision block, and parts list. (2)
5.3 Produce a Blueprint from an object/ part and apply Blueprint reading principles into the new blueprint (5)
6.0 Principles of Mechanical/Electrical Assembly
6.1 Summarize the fundamentals of mechanical and electrical assembly processes. (2)
6.2 Identify common components and their functions, including fasteners ergonomics, cutting tools, assembly tools, and torque application. (2),
6.3 Demonstrate hand tools proper usage (2)
6.4 Demonstrate proper setting and use of torque wrench tool
7.0 Hand Tools, Power and Pneumatic Tool Usage
7.1 Safely operate selected electric power tools as well as pneumatic tools. (3)
7.2 Perform basic exercises to develop tool handling skills and confidence. (3)
8.0 Machine Shop Equipment Usage and Fabrication
8.1 Safely Operate selected Machine shop equipment
8.2 Describe the operation of key machine shop equipment, including Band saw, drill presses, lathes, and mills (2)
8.3 Cut stock Material based on work instructions or blueprint using band saw
8.2 Complete basic fabrication projects to develop practical machining skills. (3)
Meet Your Instructor
Jean Paul Aliaga brings a unique blend of experience across manufacturing, engineering, design, and hands-on training. His expertise spans essential skills such as machining, toolmaking, welding, fiber composites, industrial mechanics, electricity and electronics, PLCs, microcontrollers, automation, robotics, prototyping, CAD design, CNC, CAM, 3D printing, additive manufacturing, entrepreneurship, project management, quality methodologies, ergonomics, and more.
Jean Paul’s passion for fabrication began with a simple goal: to develop the skills to build any invention, device, gadget, or machine he could imagine—even those that don’t yet exist but are vital to humanity’s future. From a young age, his curiosity made him a natural tinkerer—disassembling and studying his toys, reassembling and modifying them, and even building his own.
He has worked in both private-sector technology manufacturing—on the production floor and in engineering design—as well as in the U.S. government sector, where he closed multi-million-dollar projects. He has also served as a Red Cross volunteer, helping families rebuild after disasters.
Jean Paul has launched accelerated hands-on programs in Mechatronics, Machining, and Fiber Composites at multiple colleges. A highly certified instructor, he is passionate about both teaching and learning. As an engineer, educator, entrepreneur, and visionary, Jean Paul doesn’t just transfer knowledge—he inspires, motivates, and empowers others to understand core principles and think beyond the possible.