With support from Arconic Foundation and in partnership with AACC’s Affiliate Council, the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC), AACC is working to address the quickly evolving advanced manufacturing industry’s challenges in integrating Industry 4.0 into community colleges’ programs. With new technologies being launched every day, and as manufacturing companies continue to evolve, it is important to assure that the workforce is ready to maximize those new technologies and processes for companies to stay competitive in the global marketplace. The “Creating Connections in Manufacturing Communities with Community Colleges” initiative helps colleges’ manufacturing programs bridge skills gaps and promote model programs to showcase the innovation and adaptability that community colleges can provide to support their industry partners and help their students thrive in the ever-changing job market.
This work to support community colleges is done by sharing and expanding the most effective industry connections and tactical applications in the manufacturing industry. Community colleges will expand their network of potential industry partners as well as facilitate peer-to-peer sharing amongst the cohort of colleges. The following community colleges from targeted communities with high manufacturing demand were selected to participate as part of the cohort:
- Cuyahoga Community College, OH
- Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, IA
- Grand Rapids Community College, MI
- Ivy Tech Community College, IN
- Lorain County Community College, OH
- Pellissippi State Community College, TN
- Reading Area Community College, PA
- Thomas Nelson Community College, VA
- Westmoreland County Community College, PA
AACC and NCATC are helping to improve the content and processes for education and training on behalf of the employment pipelines for the selected communities through asset identification, community preparation, and identify promising practices in advanced technology and manufacturing for the incumbent and future workforce pipelines in the U.S. This program will provide technical assistance to the cohort in diverse areas such as cyber security, simulation, system integration, data analytics, artificial intelligence, IOT, additive manufacturing, robotics, etc.