Elkhart, Indiana, is witnessing a significant stride in career education as the Elkhart Area Career Center, in collaboration with Vincennes University Early College, introduces a cutting-edge Industrial Maintenance/Mechatronics program. This initiative is strategically designed to equip students with the essential skills for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing automated equipment, which are integral to the numerous manufacturing facilities in Elkhart County and across the nation.
Responding proactively to the escalating demand for proficient industrial maintenance technicians, Vincennes University Early College has made a substantial investment in state-of-the-art equipment at the Elkhart Area Career Center. This financial commitment, nearing $300,000, underscores the dedication to providing unparalleled training within the Elkhart Area Career Center Programs.
“This investment truly showcases the robust partnership between Vincennes University and the Elkhart Career Center in launching our Career and Technical Early College program,” stated Vincennes University President Chuck Johnson. He further emphasized, “Vincennes University is proud to collaborate with the Elkhart community and numerous others throughout Indiana to deliver top-tier training and education, crucial for developing our future workforce in vital middle-skill technical sectors.”
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, remarked, “The FANUC robot will empower our Early College students with the necessary expertise to ensure they are career-ready upon entering the workforce in Elkhart County and throughout Indiana. Mastery of programming this specific robot at the Career Center translates directly to the ability to program virtually any FANUC robot, commonly found in hundreds of manufacturing sites statewide.” This hands-on experience is invaluable for students aiming to excel in elkhart area career center programs focused on advanced manufacturing technologies.
VU’s investment also incorporates Amatrol training systems, providing students with crucial hands-on experience in AC/DC electrical systems, fluid and pneumatic power systems, and mechanical drives. These systems are fundamental for a comprehensive understanding of industrial maintenance within elkhart area career center programs.
Furthermore, students will engage with a Skills Boss Smart Factory, enabling them to achieve certification as a Certified Production Technician (CPT) through the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council. This CPT credential serves as a testament to future employers of a student’s demonstrated competence in plant safety, quality assurance, production processes, and maintenance awareness. MSSC, a leading industry-driven nonprofit, is dedicated to equipping the nation’s workforce with the skills demanded by today’s advanced manufacturing industries. The integration of such certifications into elkhart area career center programs significantly enhances graduate employability.
Through these elkhart area career center programs, students have the opportunity to earn up to 30 college credit hours from Vincennes University. The curriculum encompasses a wide array of subjects, including pneumatics, automation, robotics, hydraulics, mechanical drives, print reading, and welding, providing a robust foundation for a career in industrial maintenance and mechatronics.
Prospective students eager to explore these enriching Elkhart area career center programs are encouraged to connect with their guidance counselors or visit the Elkhart Area Career Center online for more information at http://elkhart.k12.in.us/home/schools/elkhart-area-career-center.
Vincennes University, Indiana’s First College, reinforces its commitment to accessible, high-quality education through this partnership, further solidifying the elkhart area career center programs as a premier choice for students seeking a prosperous future in technical fields.
