New Mechatronics Academy Launched at Kalamazoo Valley Community College

KALAMAZOO -- Kalamazoo Valley Community College is launching a new Career Academy called the Mechatronics Academy. This 18-week, full time, competency-based training program will prepare students for careers in automated industrial equipment maintenance and repair.

The Mechatronics Academy, which begins Aug. 20, was designed to assure that graduating students have the knowledge and skills essential to perform troubleshooting, service, and repair on automated industrial systems.

Applications are now being accepted.

An informational session about the new Academy is set for Wednesday, June 27 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Groves Center of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, 7107 Elm Valley Drive, Kalamazoo.

Mechatronics is a term that describes the integration of mechanical, electrical, and computer technologies.

"Industrialized machines have included mechanical, electrical, and computer systems for quite some time, but past methods looked at each separately," said Lesa Strausbaugh, Director of Career Academies for Kalamazoo Valley Community College.  "In today's manufacturing environment, these disciplines are combined into a mechatronics systems approach for resolving problems."

Through lab exercise, simulation and self-directed projects, students in the Academy will develop safety, critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills.  Students are taught on devices which simulate automated production where fluid, robotic, and electronic control are essential. Students will be expected to perform routine service, use condition monitoring tools, troubleshoot problems and make necessary repairs. An understanding of lean manufacturing and quality control systems will be demonstrated.

The Mechatronics Academy accepts students into the program using a screening process that aligns with the hiring requirements of employers. Applicants must demonstrate mechanical or electrical experience and the ability to work with mathematical concepts.

For more information or to apply, call (269) 353-1286, email careeracademies@kvcc.edu or go to www.kvcc.edu/training.

More at www.kvcc.edu.