EXPERIENCE NORTHLAND
WE INVITE YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS TO JOIN US AND EXPERIENCE NORTHLAND PROGRAMS IN THIEF RIVER FALLS!!
Join us on November 7, 2024 for Experience Northland!
Brought to you by Northland and the National Center for Autonomous Technologies (NCAT), Experience Northland is open to all students (grades 7-12) and teachers. It offers a large variety of 50-minute hands-on learning activities directly related to Northland programs. Schools/students can choose to attend one session or make it a day-trip and attend sessions throughout the day.
All sessions are 100% cost-free! Register as soon as possible. Last year's events filled up quickly.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Northland/NCAT team directly at ncat@northlandcollege.edu.
Aerospace Workshops
Workshop A - Cirrus Fundamentals of Composites (2-Hours) - Composites Lab
Advanced composites are becoming more and more common in a wide variety of industries these days. Once found primarily on military and commercial aircraft, materials like carbon fiber, Kevlar, and glass fiber can now be found on unmanned aerial systems, wind turbine blades, automobiles, trains, and a host of other products we see and use every day. We will conduct a 2-hour hands-on course designed to impart basic knowledge of composites materials and help students understand some of the industrial applications of these amazingly strong and lightweight materials. This workshop includes a lab activity - assembly of a composite part that students will get to take home.
Workshop B - Discover Northland Aerospace I - Swenson Hangar
Come on in and discover what Northland Aerospace campus has to offer. Our 86,000 square foot facility features a state-of-the-art hangar, housing over 20 aircraft including a DC-9 that was owned and donated by the Detroit Pistons NBA team! Hop inside the cockpit of an aircraft, become an AMT student through a hands-on activities, such as riveting and sheet metal. Try out the SCSU Trailer (the manufacturing trailer has 3D printers, CNC machines & more to explore), welding & paint sims.
Workshop C - UAS Hangar
Do you think you have what it takes to be a technician for autonomous systems? We do! Dive into the world of virtual reality and fly a racing drone. Take control of a land robot. Test your flight skills by flying a drone through the Aerial Drone Competition course. Learn how all these activities directly tie to programs that Northland Aerospace has to offer. Visit the TCOE Trailer (flight sim, Engine ID, Paint matching, Heavy equipment sim)
Workshop D - STEAM Electrical and Automation - Classroom 28
Are you interested in electronics and automation? If so, this is the class for you! Students will be able to choose from multiple activities such as working with Arduino, programmable logic controllers, configuring networks, and learning how to operate a skillboss.
Workshop E - Real Flight and Flight Simulators - Classroom 5-6
Are you ready to learn how to take off into the wild blue sky? With our variety of flight simulators, you can come get a feel for flight. Also in this class, you will learn the basics of flight, including the use of the instrument panel, how to read the instruments, takeoff and landing procedures, and other interesting rules of the air. You will also be learning the basics of drone programming for autonomous flight.
Workshop F - Autonomous Systems & Agriculture with Grand Farms - Classroom 8
Welcome to Grand Farm! We are a network of working together to solve problems in agriculture through AgTech and innovation. We will introduce Grand Farm and how you can connect with us. We will chat about agriculture technologies that are being tested at our Innovation Campus as well as the vast number of other technologies that are being tested outside of Grand Farm. Come learn about all the Grand initiatives at Grand Farm!
Workshop G - Learning to Solder - Build a Bug - Classroom 9
Are you interested in soldering but don’t know how to get started? We can teach you! This hands-on lesson is made even more impactful with a soldering board that lights up to signify how much light is getting to the photosensor. With this new-found skill, you can begin the path towards careers in jewelry, electronics, air conditioning and heating, sheet metal work, and much more!
Workshop H - UND VEX Robotics - Classroom 10
Join us to program a VEX V5 Robot for remote control operations. This fun workshop is being led by the University of North Dakota College of Engineering and Mines. You will write a program to navigate your robot through an obstacle course and learn more about engineering careers.
Workshop I - Electronics Concepts with Spintronics - Classroom 11
Join us for the opportunity to understand electronics and computing in a whole new way. Rather than tell you what's happening in a circuit, let us show you with Spintronics. Feel the resistance, feel the pull of voltage, and watch the current flow. This hands-on activity is fun and easy and is an excellent way to learn engineering concepts!
Workshop J - DroneTECH- Classroom 12
Experience the exciting world of Drones! Did you know that drones are no longer just used for recreation? More and more, we are finding ways that drones can be of use to us and make life easier. In DroneTech World of Drones, learn how drones in the air, on the land, and in the sea are helping our lives and the world around us. Work with your team to design a drone that will help solve a problem, meet a critical need, or expand what is possible.
Workshop K - Aviation Career Pathways - (Afternoon Only) - Classroom 15
Aviation career pathways
Any student, even those without a familial background in aviation, can find a pathway to an amazing career in this exciting field! Careers span from piloting to maintenance to air traffic control to military to flight attendant...the sky's the limit! Speakers John Rutoski from Virtual Aviation MN and Kelsey Sagen, pilot for Endeavor Airlines will share their personal stories and knowledge of aviation career pathways.
Would you like to explore exciting STEM careers? New this year to Experience Northland is our Mini Career Fair! We are pleased to welcome area companies with a variety of STEM careers available, including designing aircraft, maintaining drones, flight instruction, and much more!
Gain a highly desirable skillset in only 2 years with Northland’s Mechatronics A.A.S. program. The Advanced Resource Center for Innovation and Education (ARC) located in Warroad, MN collaborates with Northland and is a dedicated resource bringing advanced manufacturing education and skill development to people and industry in northwest Minnesota. For more information, visit ARC
Bemidji Air’s slogan “We Can’t Fly Without You” is not just a message for passengers. It’s for you! Bemidji Air is looking for certified mechanics and technicians to work on their 50 aircraft fleet. Get your certification here at Northland and then discover the beauty of Bemidji and the family at Bemidji Air. For more career information, visit Bemidji Air
We are the region’s largest aircraft maintenance and avionics facility with a variety of career opportunities. With 80,000 square feet of hangar space and a full maintenance shop, we have space for top aviation technicians to show off their skills. For more information, visit Bismarck Aero
Central Boiler was established in 1984 in Dennis Brazier’s little workshop near Greenbush, Minnesota and has grown into a 300,000 square foot facility manufacturing outdoor wood furnaces. Our technological-advanced heating system is sold all over the United States and Canada. Central Boiler relies on mechanical engineers, industrial engineers and technology, as well as engineering technicians and robot/laser programmers to design and create our popular heating systems. For more information, visit Central Boiler
Cirrus Aircraft is an aviation company with careers in flight instruction, A&P mechanics, and aircraft production, constructing world-renowned aircraft. For more career information, visit Cirrus Aircraft
Located right here in Northland’s own backyard, Digi-Key is an electronic component distributor quickly reaching the top of the global ladder with a variety of career opportunities. With over 6.5 million orders processed each year, we are proud of our accomplishments and hopes to help you reach your career goals at Digi-Key. For more career information visit Digi-key
Solving Minnesota infrastructure and roadway issues is a challenging yet rewarding career. By working at MnDOT, you can be a part of ensuring the advancement, sustainability, and safety of Minnesota's transportation system. For more information, visit District 2 MnDOT
Whether you are interested in aircraft sales, maintenance, charter services and management, or more, we have opportunities for you at Fargo Jet Center. Based out of Hector International Airport in Fargo and with sister companies in Eden Prairie, MN, you can live the midwestern life and enjoy an aerospace career. For more about us, visit Fargo Jet Center
We work in innovative technology, developing solutions for everything from remotely piloted aircraft systems to laser technologies and nuclear fuel cycle. If you join our company, you will create opportunities for yourself and the world! If you have a vision, we may have a place for you. For career information, visit General Atomics
Welcome to Machinewell, Inc.! This northern MN company specializes in machining, welding, and fabricating of components and works with a variety of metals as well plastics. With two machine shops, a welding shop, and a research and development shop, working for Machinewell will give you the small town feel with big time production! For more information, visit Machinewell, Inc
Marvin Windows is the perfect company to work for if you're looking to "go green". This year's recipients of both the NAIOP and ULI Awards, Marvin Windows has a large variety of careers available in 16 locations around the United States, and the company is expanding. For career information, visit Marvin Windows
Northrop Grumman is a global technology company with careers in designing aircraft, digital tech, or even building spacecraft. You could join our team of 95,000 employees with careers across all domains: air, land, sea, cyber, and even space. Join us at Northrop Grumman and make a difference in our world. For more career information visit Northrop Grumman Careers
With more than five decades of experience, Prairie Air Inc. is a helicopter maintenance provider. It is the Midwest's most popular Robinson Helicopter Service Center. It is a family owned company that provides quality apprenticeships. For information about this exciting Elbow Lake company, visit Prairie Air
The College Place Northern Minnesota teaches students all about personal finance. Our lifelong accounts are free! We also assist students in planning for college. We can help you with your resume, provide information on scholarships, FAFSA and additional resources. Come check us out! Visit our website today, visit TCP-Northern Minnesota
Our name speaks for itself! We’re known throughout the nation as a leader in snow, ATV, and off road technologies. Joining our team could be a great opportunity for you. To apply, visit Textron
In 2020, Wipaire celebrated 60 years of building Wipline floats! If you are interested in seaplanes, this could be your niche. You could be a part of this amazing historical yet innovative company by joining the engineering and maintenance team for the Wipline 8750. For more information regarding careers, visit Wipaire
Supports customers’ aviation requirements with aircraft spares, turbine engines, turbine engine parts, and whole aircraft. With an extensive network of operators and distributors, Dakota can ensure the part is procured when it is needed. https://www.dakotaairparts.com/ Dakota Air Parts
Experience Northland Aerospace workshops will kick-off at 9:00AM and run on the top of each hour until 2:00PM. We ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the activity start-time to allow enough time for check-in.
Example schedule for a full-day of activities:
8:30 - 9:00 Students arrive/Check-In and Career Fair
9:10 - 10:00 Design an Aircraft with Flite Test
10:10 - 11:00 Electronics Concepts with Spintronics
11:00 - 12:00 Lunch (Meal Provided)
12:10 - 1:00 Discover Northland Aerospace I - Think Autonomous
1:10 - 2:00 Fundamentals of Composites (2-hour workshop)
2:00 - 2:30 Career Fair
This schedule shows an example of a school/student who participates in a full-day of workshops. Participation in all workshops is not required. If your school/student can only participate in one workshop throughout the day, simply register for that hour/workshop only.
We ask that if you plan to bring a group of students, each student should be registered for a workshop during each 50-minute block during the time they are present. We want to ensure all students who attend are also participating in the workshops.
Spots are limited but if you are interested in the Nov 7th event please emails us at NCAT@northlandcollege.edu before Oct 31st!
NCTC Aerospace Campus -- located next to the Thief River Falls Regional Airport.
13892 Airport Drive
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Please park in the East Parking Lot (next to the highway) and use the East Entrance.
If you need accommodations to attend this event, please contact us as soon as possible.
Megan Hall
Office Administrative Specialist| NCAT
(218) 683-8826
megan.hall@northlandcollege.edu
