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Title: Developing PLC and Robotic Automation Technician Certificate Program for Service Industries
This project, supported by NSF ATE (award#2202107), aims to serve the national interest by addressing the shortage of technicians possessing the skills to maintain programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and robots in the service industries. Vaughn College program offers a PLC and Robotic Automation (PRA) Technician Certificate, consisting of 13 credits. It prepares technicians for roles in diverse service industries such as wholesale and retail, pharmaceuticals, food, and beverage, as well as airport baggage and cargo handling [1][2][3]. Additionally, all credits earned through the certificate program are transferable to the college's Mechatronic Engineering program. The college, designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, places a strong emphasis on recruiting students from low-income families and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The certificate program alleviates the financial burden and time commitment required for students to pursue education, providing them with the means to pursue advanced degrees or offer support to family members seeking greater opportunities. The project’s objective is to establish a one-year certificate program to provide PRA technicians with the essential skills for service industries. To ensure program graduates possess the desired qualifications, the project (a) collaborates with its Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) to identify industry needs and develop a curriculum to address them; (b) supports faculty in obtaining training and industry certifications; (c) recruits both high-school graduates, incumbent workers, and college students through newly developed informational materials. Additionally, to enhance diversity within the PRA Technician workforce, the program will collaborate with the college’s existing initiatives to attract more female and racial and ethnic minorities. Advancements in the comprehension of technical education for service industries are disseminated through the college website and presented at regional and national conferences [4].  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2202107
PAR ID:
10503614
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Publisher / Repository:
https://www.asee.org/events/Conferences-and-Meetings/ASEE-Conference-Proceedings-Search
Date Published:
Journal Name:
2024 ASEE Annual Conference Proceedings
Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
Automation, Service Industries, Technicians
Format(s):
Medium: X
Location:
https://www.asee.org/events/Conferences-and-Meetings/ASEE-Conference-Proceedings-Search
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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