The grant will help boost Nebraska's workforce in mechatronics — the intersection of mechanical, electrical and computer systems — using online lessons and portable training kits to teach skills and problem-solving sought by factories and other workplaces.
"This project gives working adults and adult education students a chance to learn important skills in a way that fits their busy lives," said Dan Davidchik, Central Community College's mechatronics instructor.
The three-year program started this month and is enrolling 180 students. The Nebraska Department of Labor estimates nearly 3,000 openings in mechatronics-related jobs over the next decade.
The average wage for those employees tops $37 per hour.
Davidchik, who wrote the grant and is principal investigator on the project, said it will open doors for non-traditional learners "by giving them access to accredited technical training that fits their lives."
The project is led by Nebraska business leaders, Central Community College instructors and staff. As part of the initiative, they plan to share what they learn with other colleges and companies to develop the workforce further.
Courses in electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, motors, transformers, and others will be taught at the Columbus campus as well as the college's learning center in Kearney.
Central Community College offers certificate, diploma, as well as associate degrees in mechatronics.
"CCC has always been interested in supporting our business partners and this project takes that support to an even higher level," said Doug Pauley, the college's associate dean of training development.
"Fitting training and education into someone's life is hard, but our goal is to make it more convenient for the student and the business."
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