MVCC starts mechatronics certificate program

UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) has announced its new mechatronics-certificate program

The program is accepting students for the fall semester, which begins on Aug. 26, MVCC said in a news release Monday.

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

It also provides additional “specialized” skills for “high-tech, high-skilled” careers in advanced-manufacturing fields, such as nanotechnology.

“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.”

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.

Students can also 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.

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.

MVCC is using the grant funding to equip two new mechatronics labs.

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.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com