On Tuesday May 17, two of our Add Us In participants had the great opportunity to participate in a workshop at Catylator Makerspace. Catylator is a space for creation in design and technology, offering its resources through educational workshops and co-creational space for teens and adults located in downtown Silver Spring. Together with Steve Morris, Catylator’s owner, Will and Ryan learned the basics of 2D and 3D modelling, 3D printing, vinyl-cutting, and laser cutting.

Steve began the night by giving Will and Ryan a tour of the workshop, which provides “makers” and students with access to 2D and 3D modelling software, 3D printers, wood-working tools, a laser cutter, a vinyl cutter, and much more. After a brief introduction to the software tools they would need to design their projects, Steve, Ryan, and Will created a 3D printed keychain, a vinyl sticker, laser-cut wooden bracelets, and personally engraved dog tags. Following the demonstrations, Will and Ryan learned how the skills they practiced are transferrable to real careers, and even learned about some local businesses hiring individuals with these skills.

Catylator is committed to providing “access to learning, to new advanced technologies and to a supportive, inclusive, community whose culture is centered around people helping each other is the ideal environment for developing agency.” (Catylator.com). This commitment to inclusive environments to learn new skills relevant for in-demand jobs and growing occupational fields dovetails perfectly with TransCen’s commitment to workforce development. We want to thank Catylator for their participation in this unique event!

For more information on Catylator Makerspace:

www.catylator.com
info@catylator.com
(301) 588-8833?8121
Georgia Avenue Suite LL1?, Silver Spring, MD 20910