The Elkhart Area Career Center is now offering a cutting-edge pathway for students eager to enter the in-demand field of industrial maintenance and mechatronics. This exciting opportunity is made possible through a partnership with the Vincennes University Early College, bringing advanced technical education directly to Elkhart students.
This innovative program is designed to equip students with the essential skills to maintain, diagnose, and repair the sophisticated automated equipment that powers modern manufacturing facilities. Crucially, these skills are highly sought after not only in Elkhart County, a hub of manufacturing, but also across the nation. Recognizing the significant need for qualified industrial maintenance technicians, Vincennes University Early College has made a substantial investment in state-of-the-art equipment at the Elkhart Area Career Center, totaling just under $300,000.
This financial commitment underscores the strong collaborative relationship between Vincennes University and the Elkhart Career Center in establishing this impactful Career and Technical Early College program. Vincennes University President Chuck Johnson highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “This investment reflects the strong partnership Vincennes University and the Elkhart Career Center have forged in the launch of our Career and Technical Early College program. VU is pleased to work with the Elkhart community and many others throughout the State of Indiana in delivering the high-quality training and education which is so important to developing our future workforce in key middle-skill technical fields.”
A key highlight of the program’s equipment is the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S robot. Dr. Michael Robert Hepner, Assistant Dean of Vincennes University Early College, emphasized the career readiness this provides, noting, “The FANUC robot will provide our Early College students the skills necessary to ensure they’re career-ready when they enter the workforce in Elkhart County and throughout the state of Indiana. A student who learns how to program this particular robot at the Career Center will be able to go directly into the workforce and program nearly any FANUC robot found at hundreds of manufacturing facilities across the state.” This hands-on experience with industry-standard robotics is invaluable for students aiming for immediate employment after completing their program at Elkhart Career Center.
Beyond robotics, Vincennes University’s investment includes Amatrol training systems. These systems offer students practical, hands-on experience with core industrial systems, including AC/DC electrical systems, fluid and pneumatic power systems, and mechanical drives. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates possess a well-rounded skillset applicable to a wide range of industrial maintenance tasks.
Furthermore, students participating in the Elkhart Career Center Programs will have the opportunity to enhance their credentials through the Skills Boss Smart Factory system. This allows them to pursue certification as a Certified Production Technician (CPT) from the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council (MSSC). This nationally recognized CPT credential serves as assurance to future employers that graduates have demonstrated competency in critical manufacturing areas such as plant safety, quality assurance, production processes, and maintenance awareness. The MSSC, an industry-led non-profit, plays a vital role in aligning workforce skills with the demands of today’s advanced manufacturing sector.
Through this intensive program, students can earn up to 30 college credit hours from Vincennes University. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of essential topics, including pneumatics, automation, robotics, hydraulics, mechanical drives, print reading, and welding. This significant accumulation of college credits provides a strong foundation for students who may wish to pursue further education while also ensuring they are immediately employable upon graduation from the Elkhart Career Center program.
For students in Elkhart and surrounding areas interested in exploring these exciting Elkhart Career Center programs, further information is readily available. Students are encouraged to reach out to their guidance counselors or visit the Elkhart Area Career Center online at http://elkhart.k12.in.us/home/schools/elkhart-area-career-center to learn more and take the first step towards a rewarding technical career.
Vincennes University, Indiana’s First College, is a state-supported institution with multiple campuses and sites across Indiana, including a strong presence in Early College programs throughout the state and military sites nationwide. VU offers a diverse range of associate and bachelor’s degrees, and is committed to providing accessible and high-quality education. With a history dating back to its founding by William Henry Harrison, Vincennes University continues to be a leader in higher education in Indiana. More information about Vincennes University can be found at www.vinu.edu.
