December 4, 2013 at 4:51 p.m.
Nicolet continues to upgrade manufacturing curriculum
Nicolet continues to upgrade manufacturing curriculum
Dean of Trade and Industry Brigitte Kumbier said instead of going through a lengthy approval process for developing the new program, Nicolet has received permission to modify one of its existing associate degrees. That means the college can get its curriculum updated faster to meet workforce demands that already exist. The GIS (Geographic Information Systems) program will morph into the new electromechanical associate degree.
"Our employers said (the GIS program) should be more of a professional development offering rather than a full associate degree," Kumbier said.
She said in the future GIS will be something workers can take as a continuing education class at Nicolet, or employers can offer it through a contract with the college. Only four students are currently enrolled in the GIS program, Kumbier said.
"They're graduating in May. We'll ensure they're able to complete their degree," she said.
Knowledge of electromechanics, on the other hand, is a growing need in modern manufacturing where the worlds of machines and electronics often merge together.
"Our district manufacturers have been supporting us on this," Kumbier said. "This will complement the industrial mechanic technician program (that started this year). That's the motor down. This is the motor up - the electronic systems involved in manufacturing."
To accommodate the electromechanics program, Nicolet will have to upgrade the electrical infrastructure in its Art-Tech Center. Recently the Nicolet College Board of Trustees signed off on the necessary work which will cost in the range of $100,000. The proposal still needs approval from the tech college system's state board.
Manufacturing has been a major focus for Nicolet officials of late, and in the past two years the college has been aided in that effort by approximately $2 million worth of federal and state grants. The money has been used to develop new curriculum (i.e. the electromechanics program) and upgrade classroom facilities.
Kyle Rogers may be reached at [email protected].
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