Fab Lab Technology (Design and Make)

Program Description

​This course series prepares students to work in digital and additive manufacturing, design careers, and innovative and entrepreneurial ventures. Students receive instruction and hands-on training in specialized software and equipment used in the Fab Lab and the “maker” movement. Students learn about 3D printers, CNC routers, and laser cutters, along with the software needed for programming the equipment and materials that may be used.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. plan and create designs using appropriate 3D modeling software;
2. follow safety procedures when using fabrication lab equipment;
3. analyze project designs to determine which type of fabrication lab equipment will best provide finished object; and
4. fabricate objects using appropriate fabrication lab equipment.​

CCBC Pathway

Technology and Engineering Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

Successful Completion: 

CCBC Credential: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition,  the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Program Length

9 weeks; number of weeks vary for courses taken individually due to scheduling.  Course schedules vary each semester. 

Courses are offered at CCBC Catonsville.

Program Requirements

Minimum age of 16 with parental permission. 

Recommended - Previous design or CAD experience is helpful, but not necessary.

A pre-registration visit to the Fab Lab can be scheduled.  Contact the Fab Lab at fablabbaltimore@gmail.com to schedule a visit.

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has potential options for waiving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum. A total of 12 program hours may be earned from prior learning.

Program Course Sequence

Full Program/Combined Series

This includes all courses listed under “Fab Lab Individual Classes”.  This combined course sequence is eligible for continuing education financial aid.

Fab Lab Individual Classes

Individual Fab Lab courses.  When taking classes individually, students must take the Fab Lab Introduction class first. Other classes can be taken in any order.

Individual courses are not eligible for financial aid.

Additional Information

Course Substitutions:
PCA 816 - 3D Printing with Fusion 360 or TEC 023 Fab Lab Intro to Rhino 3D ​may be substituted for VOA 061 - 3D Printing with Solidworks.

Additional Offerings:

VOB 064 - Fab Lab CNC Plasma Cutter Applications Introduction

VOA 547 - Fab Lab Introduction to AutoCAD

PCA 816 - 3D Printing with Fusion 360

VOD 529 - Introduction to 3D Scanning

TEC 023 - Fab Lab Intro to Rhino 3D

​Use of Fab Lab equipment and resources: 
After completing the Fab Lab Introduction course (included in the Design and Make Technology - ​Basic Combined Series), students become Fab Lab members and have access to many of the lab resources.  Members must schedule time to use the equipment during open lab sessions and pay appropriate fees for use and materials.  Materials used must meet Fab Lab guidelines.  For more information, visit www.fablabbaltimore.org.

Additional Expenses:
Additional costs include fees for lab use and materials needed for individual student projects. Total additional expenses vary depending on the size, type, and scope of projects.

Skills for Success:
​Students should be innovative, artistic, or have an entrepreneurial flair.   

Career Opportunities:​
Knowledge from the Fab Lab courses, along with previously acquired manufacturing knowledge and experience, can make an individual an “additive manufacturing/ prototyping” skilled practitioner. Courses will help students further their experience as an artist, innovator, drafter, or entrepreneur.

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

​​For Program Information:

Coordinator: Steve Ricketts | sricketts@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4442 | Catonsville BESS 100 L

Administrative Assistant: Denise Bellamy | dbellamy@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4712 | Catonsville BESS 100

For Equipment-Specific and Laboratory Membership Use Questions:

Fab Lab Manager: Geniia Elliott | fablabbaltimore@gmail.com | 443-840-4811 | Catonsville HTEC 002