Boundary lines can only be found on maps. Rivers don’t stop flowing, traffic isn’t diverted, packages aren’t returned at the county line. The same can be said for workforce development. When new industry arrives or an existing company expands, the implications go well beyond lines drawn on a map – its supply chain has no borders and that includes a steady supply of educated workers.
It is with this thought in mind that Mechatronics Connect was created – a group of Community Colleges working together to build their capacity to meet the increasing industry demands for educated, skilled workers.
Industry needs are diverse and Mechatronics, with its three-pronged approach, is a good fit. Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) was recently given the opportunity to strengthen its Mechatronics program through a DOL TAACCCT grant. Not only does the TAACCCT grant focus on building “industry –aligned programs” but it also stresses program sustainability. Through the work with the TAACCCT grant, CPCC recognized the opportunity to support other educational entities.
Mechatronics Connect will create a pipeline of educational resources that increase the capacity of the entire Mechatronics consortium community and provide a well-educated workforce supporting, expanding, and attracting industry to the state of North Carolina.
– Mike Hogan, Associate Dean, STEM, Central Piedmont Community College
Through this consortium we will ensure that community college resources aren’t limited by boundaries. By supporting one another, we will continue to build a strong, educated workforce that will elevate our region and consequently our state.
By supporting one another, we will continue to build a strong, educated workforce that will elevate our region and consequently our state.
Graduates of the Mechatronics program will be ready to work in a variety of positions including: technical service providers, materials and technologies testing services, process improvement technicians, engineering technicians, industrial technology managers, or research technicians. Graduates are able to excel in the fast-paced work environments of advanced manufacturing.
Learn More
The Mechatronics Engineering Technology curriculum prepares graduates to use basic engineering principles and technical skills in developing and testing automated, servo-mechanical, and other electro-mechanical systems. The program includes instruction in prototype testing, manufacturing and operational testing, systems analysis and maintenance procedures. Graduates should be qualified for employment in industrial maintenance and manufacturing including assembly, testing, startup, troubleshooting, repair, process improvement, and control systems, and should qualify to sit for Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) Mechatronics or similar industry examinations.
Learn More
The Mechatronics program at CPCC offers both an Associate’s in Applied Science Degree and a certificate through the Career and College Promise program. Students have many opportunities to gain real-world experience through apprenticeships, internships and beginning Fall 2018, co-ops. Industry partners and hiring companies can be assured of well trained students with hands on experience and exposure to state of the art equipment. Visit Career Services explore ways to get involved.
Learn More
A Mechatronics Concentration is available through the Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree program. The curriculum prepares graduates for employment as technicians in the diversified mechanical and manufacturing engineering fields. Technicians assist in design, development, testing, process design and improvement, and troubleshooting and repair of engineered systems. Emphasis is placed on the integration of theory and hands-on application of engineering principles.
Learn More
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is now offering an AAS degree and a diploma in Mechatronics Engineering as well as a certificate. The new mechatronics lab supporting this program includes Robotics, Industrial Wiring and Controls, PLC’s, Process Control, and Hydraulics/ Pneumatics.
Learn More
Students will gain knowledge and hands-on training for the in-demand field of Mechatronics. You may choose the associate degree program which can be completed in two years or a variety of shorter certificate programs. Graduates of this program will be ready to work in a variety of positions including: technical service providers, materials and technologies testing services, process improvement technicians, engineering technicians, industrial technology managers, or research technicians. Graduates are able to excel in the fast-paced work environments of advanced manufacturing.
Learn More
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.
