Class Description

This simulation allows trainees to practice maneuvering and using a forklift in a virtual reality environment.  This sit-down counterbalance simulator matches real forklift dimensions and OEM controls, allowing operators to make their first mistakes in a risk-free environment.  After a couple of hours, trainees are ready for real forklift driving at your site.

This simulator accelerates training 4x to get new forklift operators on the floor faster and with confidence.  There are over 40 different true-to-life environments with a final test simulation.  Check out the simulator in action here.

Because this is a virtual reality environment, we suggest spending no more than 1 hour on the simulator at a time.  Please email Jessy (Jszabo1@gmail.com) to arrange a time to come use the simulator at CoorsTek Academy.

Class Outcomes

• Forklift safety checks
• Starting and parking
• Forward and backward driving
• Handling and driving with loads
• Stacking
• Loading and unloading trucks and racks
• Navigating narrow aisles

Eligibility

This is a great option for anyone who needs forklift practice in a safe environment - 

• high school students
• new forklift operators
• current operators who need a little extra practice

CoorsTek employees will need to get manager approval before registering. Employees without approval maybe unenrolled or moved to a different class session.

Course Description 

The Maintenance Foundations Bootcamp is a hands-on preparation program for the SACA Gold certification. This registration covers Modules 1–2, the required foundation of the bootcamp: six sessions combining Industry 4.0 Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) training with an introductory tour of pneumatic, mechanical, and hydraulic systems. Instruction is delivered through a mix of classroom/lab work, structured on-the-job training, and short eLearning modules, using Festo TP-Series trainers for hands-on practice. Completion of Modules 1–2 prepares participants to select their elective track (Pneumatics, Mechanical Power, or Hydraulics) in a later phase of the bootcamp.

Course Learning Outcomes 

Module 1 — Industry 4.0 TPM

By the end of Module 1, participants will be able to:

• Identify the core elements of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and apply them on the job
• Calculate and optimize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Distinguish planned, unplanned, preventive, and predictive maintenance and perform related operations
• Use cloud-based maintenance notifications
• Apply systematic troubleshooting methods — including 5 Whys — to locate root cause and isolate malfunctions to the correct subsystem
• Interpret maintenance work orders and accurately record information in maintenance documentation
• Clean machines, identify contamination sources, and record preventive maintenance (PM) information

Module 2 — Systems Introduction

By the end of Module 2, participants will be able to:

• Apply safety procedures and identify/correct hazards across mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
• Isolate stored mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic energy, and describe correct PPE for each
• Read basic mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics using standard NFPA/ISO symbols
• Identify common mechanical power transmission types and their applications
• Safely start up and shut down pneumatic and hydraulic power units
• Connect and operate basic pneumatic and hydraulic components and circuits

Course Schedule

Six sessions, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM.

• Module 1 (Industry 4.0 TPM) meets August 18, 20, and September 1, 3.
• Module 2 (Systems Introduction) meets September 8 and 10.

All sessions are in person, and attendance at all six is required to complete Modules 1–2.

Eligibility 

This course is intended for entry- to mid-level maintenance technicians seeking an industry-recognized credential (SACA Gold). Ideal participants have:

• Hands-on experience with maintenance systems, manufacturing equipment, or industrial operations
• Some familiarity with TPM, preventive/predictive maintenance, or lubrication practices
• Comfort learning technical content in a classroom/lab setting

To enroll in this course, you must be nominated by your manager. 

Course Description

Machinery Lubrication I is a foundational lubrication course that teaches the principles and best practices required to improve equipment reliability through proper lubrication. Participants will learn how lubricant selection, application, contamination control, storage, oil analysis, and inspection practices directly impact equipment performance, reliability, and maintenance costs.

Course Learning Objectives

• Explain the relationship between lubrication practices and equipment reliability.
• Select and apply the appropriate lubricants for common industrial equipment.
• Identify common lubrication failures and contamination sources while implementing best practices to prevent them.
• Understand the fundamentals of oil analysis and how to use condition monitoring to improve maintenance decisions.
• Apply industry best practices for lubricant storage, handling, contamination control, and machine inspections to extend asset life and reduce downtime.

Course Prework and Eligibility

• Come prepared to actively participate in classroom discussions and exercises.
  • You may want to bring a notebook or laptop to take additional notes. 
• Have a basic understanding of maintenance operations and the equipment they support (recommended but not required).
• Review their site's current lubrication practices and identify any questions or challenges they would like to discuss during the course.

Course Schedule

This class will have a couple 10-15 minutes breaks and a 30 minute lunch break every day. Friday's class will end at 11am. 

Class Overview

Are you interested in CNC machining but don't have time to commit to a full 4-day bootcamp?  Give a CNC Taster class a try!

This 1-day taster will expose you to the world of CNC machining, including CAM instruction, parameter selection, and part setup.  You'll learn just enough to know if you'd like to take the full bootcamp later on. 

Check out this video about the full CNC bootcamp.

This in-person class will take place over 1 day from 8:00am to 4:00pm at CoorsTek Academy.

Class Learning Outcomes

• Introduction to machining
• CAM instruction
• Introduction to machining cost
• Part setup
• Part assembly

Eligibility

No experience necessary!  You must complete the online 6-hour course through ACE before attending the 1-day Taster class.  You can register for the online course here. We suggest choosing the Fusion360 pathway, but you are welcome to do Mastercam.

CoorsTek employees will need to get manager approval before registering. Employees without approval maybe unenrolled or moved to a different class session.

Course Overview

This course builds a practical foundation in measurement discipline and drawing interpretation, connecting accurate measurement techniques to quality‑driven decisions in manufacturing and inspection environments. Through hands‑on practice and real‑world scenarios, participants strengthen their ability to interpret dimensions and tolerances, use precision tools correctly, and recognize how technique, tool selection, and data handling influence inspection results. The class emphasizes confidence in measurement accuracy, early issue recognition, and clear communication of results to support consistent quality and effective decision‑making.

This in-person class runs for three days with a four hour session each day.

Session 1 - Calipers

• Hand Tool Best Practices
• Measurement Language (Imperial)
• Analog and Digital Calipers
• Drawing Views
• Title Blocks, Revisions, & Notes

Session 2 - Drop Indicators

• Recording Data
• Tolerance, Dimensions, & Lines
• Digital/Drop Indicators
• Statistical Sampling

Session 3 - Micrometers

• Non-ASME Symbols
• GD&T Symbols
• Analog & Digital Micrometers
• Additional Manufacturing Terms

Course Learning Objectives

• Know exactly when a part passes or fails, and be able to prove it.
• Turn a blueprint into a clear mental picture of what needs measuring and why.
• Speak confidently about your measurements in Quality conversations.
• Understand the measurement principles that make-or-break manufacturing reliability.

Eligibility

This is an intermediate course intended for those with either;

• Three months of handtool experience (calipers, micrometers)
• Six months of manufacturing experience

CoorsTek employees will need to get manager approval before registering. Employees without approval maybe unenrolled or moved to a different class session.

Course Overview

After completing an online course, you are eligible to sign up for this 32-hour, hands-on bootcamp to learn more about the world of CNC machining.  From part setup and parameter selection, you'll machine multiple components for an oscillating piston air engine.  This bootcamp is great for those interested in a manufacturing / machining job or those who want hands-on experience with CNC machines.   

Check out a video of the CNC bootcamps here!

Course Learning Outcomes

• Parameter selection
• Part setup and probing
• Controller use
• Machine operation
• Part assembly

This in-person class will take place over 4 days from 8:00am to 4:00pm at CoorsTek Academy.

Eligibility

No prior training or experience is needed!  Before this in-person bootcamp, you must complete a self-paced online course, which takes about six hours to finish.  You can register for that course here.  We suggest choosing the Fusion360 pathway, but you are welcome to do Mastercam. 

CoorsTek employees will need to get manager approval before registering. Employees without approval maybe unenrolled or moved to a different class session.

About the ACE Program

The U.S. manufacturing industry is struggling to find skilled individuals to fill machining and machine tool jobs, and the need is urgent. Through ACE (America’s Cutting Edge), a U.S. Department of Defense-funded initiative, CoorsTek Academy is partnering with the National Composites Institute to offer a series of CNC Machining Bootcamps for people of all ages and all skill levels. The goal is to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in manufacturing and ensure that existing machinists have the knowledge to take full advantage of the latest machine tool technology and techniques.