Hinds Community College Blog

For two years, the Hinds CC eLearning goat has grazed in e-Learning anonymity until a he became the scapegoat for a litany of hilarious memes, musings, and puns. First, our thanks to George Takei for thrusting our goat into the bright glare of social media.

In the best interest of the goat, we decided we should milk this story just a little longer. When the photo was first proposed as the anchor image for the college’s eLearning webpage, it was met with resistance.

 “Won’t this open us up to ridicule?”  and “Is this the image you want for online education at Hinds Community College?” said the college communications vice president.

 “But, we really like this goat,” said the eLearning staff.

 “That lady's definitely learning from a distance. I think she lives by my mom,” said the Director of Web Communications.

“Really, what does a goat have to do with online learning,” countered the V.P.

“It shows that getting a college education can happen anytime, anywhere,” responded the eLearning staff.

“Well, can we at least note the goat is not a student?” asked the V.P.

Ah, a middle ground was found.

So, the goat and his keeper were left to their field of dreams.

All in all, eLearning is very fond of their animal friend. The online learning staff wants everyone to know that Canvas classes are open to all and not enrolling would be a "baaaaaaad" decision. 

For more information about Hinds CC eLearning, visit http://www.hindscc.edu/elearning.

Do we have class or work today? Why are the lights out?

A friend said, that another person said their is a person with a gun on campus...

No need to question or get false information when you get alerts from EagleOne.

EagleOne Alert is the accurate source for emergency information from Hinds Community College. It is used to communicate vital information to let the campus community know when there is an emergency on or around campus and what they need to do to be safe.

The EagleOne Alert network includes the following notification components: SMS/Text Message, Voice Calls,  Campus E-mail, Eagle Vision, Web Alerts, 24/7 Emergency Info Line (601.857.3600), & Twitter (@EagleOneAlert).

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) on the first day of every month at noon will conduct monthly tests to ensure the system is operating properly. This is also the way you know you are signed up correctly.

Using your HindsNet credentials, go to the EagleOne website at http://eagleone.hindscc.edu/ to manage your account. You can also check out the “How To” video.

If you need help with EagleOne contact the OEM at 601-857-3584 or email Joey.Jamison@hindscc.edu.

Collision Repair Technology

What do you want to be when you grow up? If you've ever wanted to know how to repair a damaged vehicle, you might want to consider the Collision Repair Technology program at Hinds Community College! Collision Repair Technology is an instructional program designed to prepare students for entry level positions in the Collision Repair and Refinishing trade by combining classroom instruction and practical laboratory experiences using equipment comparable to that found in industry. Students will be provided learning experiences in repair and refinish work beginning with basic applications and progressing on to heavy collision repairs requiring major body and frame alignment and panel replacement. The instruction includes all phases necessary to perform collision repair including glass replacement, welding, and replacement of hardware and trim items, cosmetics, and structural repairs. In all course activities, you'll find an emphasis on safety. The latest, most advanced equipment and repair techniques are used and your classes will incorporate NATEF curriculum. 

What Do Collision Repair Technicians Do?

Collision repair technicians repair and fix damaged bodies and body parts of automotive vehicles according to the manufacturer's specifications. These vehicles include cars, vans, trucks, buses, campers, and trailers. 

Collision repair technicians:

• Provide estimates for repair

• Remove small dents with a hammer, pick hammer, or punch

• Straighten bent or twisted frames

• Weld metal parts

• Remove parts to gain access to vehicle body and fenders

• Remove, repair, or replace body parts, doors and/or fenders

• Fill damaged areas with solder or plastic body fillers

• File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces

• Refinish with a primer coat, sand and paint with a finish coat

• Align wheels and aim headlights

Possess These Qualities?  This Might Be The Career For You!

• Critical thinking skills. Repair technicians must be able to evaluate vehicle damage and determine if the repair cost is justified.

• Customer service skills. Repair technicians must be courteous and ready to answer questions customers might have. 

• Detail oriented. Repair technicians must restore damaged vehicles to their original state.

• Dexterity. Repair technicians must have good hand-eye coordination. 

• Technical skills. Repair technicians must know which tools and power equipment are appropriate for certain procedures and repairs.

What About The Job Forecast?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment opportunities for automotive body and glass repairers are expected to grow 19% through 2020. The best prospects will present themselves to those with industry certification and formal training in automotive body repair and refinishing and in collision repair. New job opportunities will be created for qualified workers with knowledge of specific technologies, materials, as well as makes and models of cars. 

The program has an excellent reputation with local firms looking for skilled workers and placement of students who complete the program is a top priority. Typical jobs filled by students who have completed this program include apprentice positions as body, frame, and refinish technicians

What Are My Degree Options?

Degree options in the Collision Repair Technology program include a Career Certificate option, Technical Certificate option and AAS Degree option. All program options are written to nationally recognized, industry-based certifications. The goal is for the student to earn a “credential of value” during their time at the community college. That “credential of value” is the Associate of Applied Science degree, a Technical Certificate, a Career Certificate, and/or license/certification recognized by business and industry. The credential should be a step along a career pathway offering students ongoing opportunities to increase their earning potential in the job market. 

Need More Information?

This program is located on the Rankin, Raymond, and Utica campuses of Hinds Community College. For more information regarding the Raymond Campus Collision Repair Technology program, contact Ovid Vickers at 601.857.3252 (OSVickers@hindscc.edu).

For other campuses in the district, you may use the contact information below:

Rankin Campus - 601.936.5532
Utica Campus – 601.885.6062

What do you want to be when you grow up? Choosing a career path is not only exciting but it can be tricky. Marion Eifling, Air Frame Power Plant Instructor, believes that students in Aviation Maintenance are unique. Usually, from a young age, they have had a desire to be around airplanes, leading them to a professional career in the aerospace industry. 

Today’s aircraft are highly complex machines that require reliable parts and service to fly safely. To keep an aircraft in peak operating condition, aircraft and avionics technicians perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections. They must follow detailed federal regulations set by the FAA that dictate maintenance schedules for a variety of different operations.

Many technicians are generalists and work on many different types of aircraft, such as jets, piston-driven airplanes, and helicopters. Others specialize in one section of a particular type of aircraft, such as the engine, airframe components, hydraulics, or electrical system of a particular aircraft. In independent repair shops, technicians usually inspect and repair many different types of aircraft.

Most technicians who work on civilian aircraft have either one or both of the FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificates. Technicians who have these certificates are authorized to work on most components of aircraft, excluding flight instruments and major work on propellers and turbine engines. Maintaining a plane’s electronic flight instruments is typically the job of specialized avionics technicians.

So What Does An Aircraft Mechanic Do?

• Inspection, repair and replace defective aircraft parts
• Diagnose electrical or mechanical problems
• Identify repair procedures as per maintenance manuals
• Repair aircraft components including wings, brakes, and electrical systems
• Use hand or power tools to replace defective parts
• Use gauges and other diagnostic equipment to test aircraft parts
• Inspect completed work to ensure that it meets performance standards
• Keep records of maintenance and repair work

Air traffic is expected to gradually increase over the coming decade.   Competition for aircraft and avionics technician jobs varies with the best job opportunities available for technicians who hold an A&P certificate and have knowledge about the most cutting edge technologies and composite materials. Familiarity with computers and digital systems will help provide the best opportunities.

The Aviation Maintenance Technology Program at Hinds Community College has an excellent reputation with the aerospace industry seeking skilled technicians. Placement of students who complete the program is a top priority. Typical job placement in this field can be found with Dean Aviation, L-3 Vertex, Eaton Industries, MARC, Inc., regional airlines and National Guard aviation units. Employment possibilities are world-wide.

Do You Possess These Qualities? 

• Agility.
• Detail oriented.
• Dexterity.
• Observational skills.
• Troubleshooting skills.

If So This Might Be The Career For You!

Degree Options:

Aviation Maintenance Technology is an instructional program designed to provide specialized training in all areas of aircraft maintenance to prepare individuals to inspect, repair, service, and overhaul aircraft engine and airframe components and systems. Aircraft and avionics technicians inspect, repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. This program is designed to prepare students for the Federal Aviation Administration examinations for certification as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician.

Degree options in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program include a Career Certificate option, Technical Certificate option and AAS Degree option. All program options are written to nationally recognized, industry-based certifications. The goal is for the student to earn a “credential of value” during their time at the community college. That “credential of value” is the Associate of Applied Science degree, a Technical Certificate, a Career Certificate, and FAA A&P certification recognized by business and industry. The credential should be a step along a career pathway offering students ongoing opportunities to increase their earning potential in the job market. 

“The airplane is just a bunch of sticks and wires and cloth, a tool for learning about the sky and about what kind of person I am, when I fly. An airplane stands for freedom, for joy, for the power to understand, and to demonstrate that understanding. Those things aren't destructible. “- Ricard Bach

The Machine Tool Technology program on the Raymond Campus, along with the program instructor, Mr. Norman Trimble are excited to announce that William Tolbert placed 1^st in the state of Mississippi in the Precision Machining competition which was held recently in the Jackson metro area. This qualifies him to compete in the SkillsUSA National Championship which will be held this summer in Kansas City, Missouri. This contest brings together gold-medal winners from separate competitions at secondary and post-secondary levels across the United States. It is a multimillion-dollar event that occupies a space equivalent to 16 football fields.

Will has used these skills to gain employment at Milwaukee Tool while continuing his education. An interesting side note is that Will also placed 1st in the state in Precision Machining while a high school student at Forest High School located in Forest, Mississippi. 

In addition to Will the following students enrolled in post-secondary and secondary CTE programs in the Hinds district also placed.

Post-Secondary Winners

• William Tolbert - 1st Place Precision Machining, Hinds CC Raymond Campus

• Kolby Redmond - 2nd Place Masonry, Hinds CC Utica Campus

Secondary Winners

• Josh Manning - 3rd Place Job Interview, Pearl Rankin Career Center                     

• Kody Britt - 3rd  Place Precision Machining, Hinds Community Career Center Vicksburg 

• Frankie Greer - 2nd Place Cabinet Making, Hinds Community Career Center Vicksburg              

SkillsUSA–Mississippi is an organization serving high school and college and professional members who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations. It is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives; working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. In Mississippi more than 2,300 students and instructors join annually with 300,000 students and instructors joining SkillsUSA annually at the national level.