MVCC recruiting for mechatronics certificate program

UTICA — Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) is accepting students for its new mechatronics certificate program.

The one-year program provides additional “specialized” skills for “high-tech, high-skilled” careers in advanced-manufacturing fields, such as nanotechnology.

The school’s fall semester begins Aug. 26, MVCC said in a July 13 news release.

Mechatronics refers to both the software and code and the hardware on the line in an advanced-manufacturing facility, says Matthew Snyder, executive director of marketing and communications at MVCC.

“Mechatronics is about how to program that robot arm and all the related types of equipment that exist on advanced-manufacturing line,” says Snyder.

He spoke with CNYBJ on July 20.

MVCC designed the program for someone who doesn’t know anything about advanced manufacturing, says Snyder. It targets both traditional and non-traditional students

“We anticipate recruiting students graduating [from] high school. We anticipate recruiting displaced workers, or people who are employed but are looking to change careers,” says Snyder.

The school also anticipates interest among current MVCC students, he adds.

“It’s so directly connected to the growth industry of nanotechnology … We have a lot of prospective students coming to us asking how can [they] get employment ready in nanotech[nology] and this is a direct answer to that question,” says Snyder.

The student spends a year in the program, and, if academically successful, will have the skills needed to pursue jobs in advanced manufacturing, says Snyder.

The mechatronics program will prepare students to work in the operation, installation, and maintenance of automated and robotically controlled systems.

Graduates will be qualified for “immediate,” entry-level employment and can pursue careers in advanced manufacturing as machinists, tool operators, and nanotechnology support, MVCC contends.

MVCC designed the one-year program to “complement” its existing electrical-service technician associate-degree program, the school said. 

Students can transfer the credits to the electrical-service technician — electrical-maintenance associate in occupational studies degree, if students decide to pursue that path. 

The mechatronics certificate will also help prepare students who want to pursue industry-recognized certifications, the college said.

“Manufacturing as we know it is being transformed by new technology,” Randall VanWagoner, MVCC president, said in the school’s news release. “MVCC designed this program to respond to the Mohawk Valley’s need for a more robust, updated skill set in conjunction with the statewide initiative to provide programs 

featuring hands-on learning for high-tech industry, training workers how to operate the new technology that can help our community and economy thrive.”

Tuition, program costs

Annual tuition for the certificate program is $3,960, says Snyder, noting that students can apply for federal student aid and scholarships to help in paying the tuition cost.

MVCC is launching the certificate program with funding from the U.S. Department of Labor through a Trade Act Adjustment and Community College Career Training grant awarded to SUNY, the school said. 

The $640,000 grant covered the costs of curriculum development and the development of two labs at the MVCC’s Utica campus, says Snyder. 

The school also created an instructional position for teaching mechatronics courses.

MVCC also worked with the Manufacturers Association of Central New York while organizing the certificate program, “so it directly addresses the needs of local employers,” says Snyder.

Applications are available in the student-services offices in Payne Hall at the Utica campus, the Plumley Complex at the Rome campus, or online at www.mvcc.edu/application.

Mohawk Valley Community College, the first community college in New York, has focused on manufacturing and technology education since 1946, according to Snyder.