Petoskey — North Central Michigan College’s newest study program allows students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology to start their education closer to home and at a significantly reduced cost. rice field.
Available this fall, the Associate of Science degree with a focus on engineering technology will enable graduates to meet the requirements of a general education with a foundation in mathematics, science and engineering before proceeding to a university bachelor’s degree program. increase. Earned credits are transferred to North Central’s partner institutions, including Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, and Lake Superior State University.
“This pathway provides a seamless transition to a four-year program in any engineering specialization,” said Stephen Strom, Vice President of Academic Affairs. It’s also an opportunity for students to earn industry-recognized certifications or “up-skill” to expand their careers as advanced manufacturing engineers. ”
According to university officials, the new degree course is the latest development in North Central University’s efforts to become a leader in Industry 4.0, and is so named because it represents the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I was. Smart factories with autonomous machines, automated production, and advanced robotics powered by data and machine learning. .
“Industry 4.0 has brought a high degree of automation and interconnectivity to manufacturing processes,” said Jim Cousino, Dean of Career and Technical Education at North Central. “This is the gold standard for companies looking to retrain current employees or hire new employees.”
The program curriculum incorporates standards set by the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA), the only accreditation body in the world that offers Industry 4.0-related certifications and stackable micro-certifications.
Program flexibility and customization are key to what makes North Central’s program stand out, Cousino said. He added that they are also very important for students.
“These micro-credentials are certifications that recognize knowledge and skills in very focused areas such as troubleshooting electrical systems and programmable logic controllers,” he said. “Students can build their resumes continuously by building them up to specialist-level certifications, or work towards earning an associate’s degree.”
Learning takes place within the University’s new Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Lab, home to hands-on training systems ranging from electromechanical systems to industrial robots, fluid power, drives and motors. At the heart of the lab is the Amatrol 870 mechatronics system. It’s a modern smart factory replica that integrates individual lab components into one large, fully automated manufacturing line.
“Amatrol’s Smart Factory is a crossroads where individual engineering disciplines meet the skills and competencies we teach,” says instructor Jerry Brusher. “It’s where students move from knowing it to knowing how.”
And officials said graduates who know how will be in high demand. Deloitte, a global accounting and consulting firm, has 2.1 million skilled manufacturing jobs available by 2030. It is said that Their report, Manufacturing Outlook 2022, adds that half of executives expect to improve efficiencies through artificial intelligence and technology, such as robots, “cobots,” or collaboration. robot. These companies are looking to hire skilled engineers and technicians to program, maintain and repair robots and machines, Cousino said.
“The professional outlook is very positive,” he said. “We prepare our graduates not only for jobs, but for lucrative careers.”
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