Former Tulsa Tech Student Returns to Teach
News From Tulsa Tech By DR. STEVE TIGER
Superintendent
MACHINING INSTRUCTION: Tyler Reibert stands with the machining equipment that he used to study as a student at Tulsa Tech. Now, Reibert is teaching on the equipment as a machining technology instructor with Tulsa Tech.
Courtesy Tulsa Tech
One of Tulsa Tech’s newest faculty members, machining instructor Tyler Reibert, certainly knows what it feels like to be a student in his classroom. It wasn’t that long ago that the former student sat in the same exact classroom.
“While I was still in high school, I found out about Tulsa Tech from a friend who was taking a machining class,” Reibert says. “I really enjoyed working with my hands, and I had seen some of the projects other students had completed, so I applied and started attending the machining program my senior year.”
This Union High School graduate became interested in machining, because, unlike many other subjects in school, both the assignments and the work were precise and very objective rather than subjective.
“Just taking a raw piece of metal and making something useful out of it, I really like the precision associated with a final product, it’s either right or it’s wrong,” he says. “There’s not much of a grey area when it comes to machining.”
Reibert soon discovered that in addition to his enjoyment of learning the concepts, he was also one of the best machining students in the nation.
“As a member of the student organization SkillsUSA, I competed for two years,” Reibert says. “I finished second in the state twice for precision machining, along with a first place finish at the national level for Milling. I really enjoyed the competition, met a lot of great people and also made a lot of good friends.”
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure a skilled workforce in the future. SkillsUSA is one of six student organizations available at Tulsa Tech that provides educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education in the nation’s classrooms.
“I encourage my students to participate in student organizations like SkillsUSA,” says Reibert. “It gives them an opportunity to see how they stack up against other students, learn effective leadership skills and meet other individuals who are working in our industry.”
In Tulsa Tech’s machining program, students first learn how to use precision techniques to manufacture parts from various types of metal, including milling machines, lathes, and grinders; they then assemble projects from those manufactured parts. They also learn to read blueprints, accurately use measuring instruments, and load, set-up and operate a variety of production machines. Students then study Computer Numerical Control () operations and programming in the advanced courses that ultimately prepare students for the high-paying jobs available in today’s global economy.
“Tulsa Tech provides a great atmosphere, and since the students have chosen to be here, I think it makes a unique and enjoyable learning environment,” Reibert says. “Many of our students, especially our high school students, often seem to have a different, or a more positive attitude toward learning.”
In addition to the learning environment, Reibert’s students also benefit from having the unique perspective of an instructor who started his successful journey in the same classroom.
“It’s such a great opportunity to be able to return to my alma mater as an instructor,” he continues. “Working alongside some of the very same instructors that taught me and just the amount of respect I have for everyone that helped me reach my goals when I was a student. Now I get to see behind the scenes to view the process as an instructor, with the amount of effort, planning and hard work that’s required to help my students achieve each of their individual career goals.”
If you’re currently looking for exciting classes for both high school and adult students, quality business and industry training, or a chance to manufacture a new career, Tulsa Tech invites you to visit today. For more information, call 918-828-5000, or visit online at tulsatech.edu.
Updated 11-19-2014
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