Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) recently announced a new Career Studies Certificate focused on technological skills in the areas of Mechatronics. This program provides multi-disciplinary training in the areas of electronics, electricity, mechanics, programming, shop skills, technical report writing, and affords students the chance to earn several manufacturing industry-recognized certifications.
“Middle-skill jobs are not what they used to be”, stated adjunct instructor Marci Gale. “They exist in work places that are highly automated, require education beyond the high school level, and are right here in Region 2000. The program will prepare our students with both the 21st century workplace skills and the technical advanced manufacturing skills needed by our local industry partners. Skills such as running and troubleshooting manufacturing production lines, building circuit boards and wiring and programming control panels are just a few of the skills our students will gain.”
The Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate is a 29-credit program of study that can be completed in as little as nine months. The program, covering a vast array of electrical and mechanical engineering and electronics integrated with information technology will provide opportunities for graduates to gain employment at many Lynchburg area manufacturing companies at wages and benefits higher than non- skilled workers.
Cindy Wallin, Dean of Science, Math and Engineering (SME) at CVCC explains, “Over the last year CVCC worked with Lynchburg’s manufacturing sector to develop a program that would meet their specialized employment needs. This Mechatronics program is the result of their requests. Because of the specialized training obtained through the hands-on coursework, graduates of the program will significantly increase their employability.”
CVCC will be hosting a Mechatronics Open House for the community on Thursday, July 27 from 6 – 8 pm in the Multi-purpose Room of Merritt Hall. CVCC representatives will share details about the program and the enrollment process. Many local industry partners will also be present to share potential employment opportunities and information regarding the specific types of jobs available.
Enrollment in the new Mechatronics program is available now through the Counseling Department at CVCC at 434-832-7800 and classes will start August 21. For more information about the Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, email galem@centralvirgina.edu.