New program pathway also allows for stackable, industry-recognized micro-credentials
PETOSKEY鈥擲tudents planning to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in engineering technology can now begin their education closer to home 鈥撯�� and at a significant cost savings 鈥撯�� thanks to 69风流鈥檚 newest program of study.
Available this fall, the Associate of Science degree with a concentration in Engineering Technology allows graduates to fulfill general education requirements, with a strong foundation in math, science and engineering, prior to moving on to a bachelor鈥檚 degree program at a university. Credits earned 颅will transfer to North Central鈥檚 partner institutions, including Central Michigan University, Ferris State University and Lake Superior State University.
鈥淭his pathway will allow for seamless transfer into a four-year program in any engineering specialty,鈥� said Vice President of Academic Affairs Stephen Strom. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also an opportunity for students to enter the workforce with industry-recognized certifications, or 鈥榰pskill鈥� to expand a career as an advanced manufacturing technician.鈥�
The new degree pathway is the latest development in North Central鈥檚 bid to become a leader in Industry 4.0, so named because it represents the fourth industrial revolution: smart factories featuring autonomous machines, automated production and advanced robotics powered by data and machine learning.
鈥淚ndustry 4.0 has brought a higher level of automation and interconnectivity to the manufacturing process,鈥� said Jim Cousino, North Central鈥檚 dean of career and technical education. 鈥淚t is the gold standard for companies who are looking to retrain their current workforce or recruit new employees.鈥�
Embedded within the program鈥檚 curriculum are standards set by the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA), which is the world鈥檚 only credentialling entity that provides certifications and stackable micro-credentials related to Industry 4.0.
Program flexibility and customization are key to setting North Central鈥檚 program apart, Cousino noted. They鈥檙e also hugely important to students.
鈥淭hese micro-credentials are endorsements that recognize knowledge and skills in highly-focused areas like electrical systems or Programmable Logic Controller troubleshooting,鈥� he said. 鈥淪tudents can stack them into specialist-level certifications to continually build their resume, or they can work their way up to earning an associate degree.鈥�
Learning will take place inside the college鈥檚 new Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Lab, home to hands-on training systems ranging from electro-mechanical systems to industrial robots, fluid power, drives and motors. In the center of the lab is an Amatrol 870 Mechatronics System, a replica of the modern smart factory that integrates each individual lab component into one large, fully automated manufacturing line.
鈥淭he Amatrol smart factory is the juncture where each individual engineering discipline meets the skills and competencies we鈥檙e teaching,鈥� said instructor Jerry Brusher. 鈥淚t鈥檚 where our students move from knowing that to knowing how.鈥�
And graduates who know the how will be in high demand. Deloitte, a global accounting and consulting firm, cited 2.1 million available skilled manufacturing jobs by 2030. Their report, , adds that half of executives expect to increase efficiency through artificial intelligence and technologies like robots and 鈥渃obots,鈥� or collaborative robots. These companies will be looking to hire skilled engineers and technicians to program, maintain and repair their robots and machinery, Cousino noted.
鈥淭he professional outlook is extremely positive,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e are preparing our graduates not just for a job, but for a lucrative career.鈥�