7 January ICC receives $500,000 in grants to enhance Industrial Maintenance and implement Robotics/Automation Control January 7, 2020 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 Itawamba Community College has received $500,000 from two grant sources to enhance its Industrial Maintenance associate degree program as well as to implement Robotics and Automation Control Technology at the Belden Center. The grants of $250,000 each were from the Appalachian Regional Commission/Three Rivers Planning and Development District and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act – Governor’s Reserve Funds. Administered by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, the Governor’s Reserve Funds support employment and training activities. According to Barry Emison, dean of career and technical education, the funds will be used to purchase five Yaskawa robotic trainers and two automated manufacturing simulation trainers. “This will afford ICC students the opportunity to learn the advanced skill sets found in today’s automated manufacturing and distribution facilities.” Emison said that the new program, which is scheduled to begin in August, is expected to increase the number of high-skilled technicians for high-demand jobs in ICC’s five-county service area as well as for the entire state. Current wages for Automation Technicians currently range between $24 and $28 per hour. For example, Ashley Furniture plans to send its incumbent workers through ICC’s training instead of out-of-state to meet its new automation expansion and investment in Mississippi, affording a long-term sustainable partnership with the College, which is available to all area manufacturers. Emison also noted that with the implementation of the Yaskawa robotic trainers into the Industrial Maintenance program, graduates will be exposed to multiple robotics systems and more in demand for various industry needs, which will ultimately benefit both the student and companies. Related Articles Donations to enhance instruction for ICC's Robotics/Automation Technology program Significant donations to Itawamba Community College’s Robotics and Automation Technology program will enhance instruction for students in the career pathway. On behalf of Red Lion, which is based in York, Pa., Barry Turner of Tupelo, technical business development manager for the company’s industrial data controls in Mississippi, donated an edge controller, which will enable students to learn about data acquisition, data monitoring and remote access to computerized industrial automation platforms. In addition, Kevin McCool, regional manager of Automated Dynamics Corp., presented Banner Sx5-B6 laser scanners. “The laser scanners will be integrated with the program’s FANUC robots to create a safety barrier around the work area,” said Dr. Doug Ferguson, program director and instructor. “Students will use the scanners to learn how to set up and monitor safe workspaces around automated equipment to protect people working around the robotic equipment.” “ICC appreciates Jack Cameron, owner of Automation Resources of Sherman, for arranging these significant donations and keeping ICC and our students in the forefront of industrial automation data acquisition and safety,” said Dylan Baldwin, ICC dean of Career Education. ... ICC offers Industrial Maintenance short-term classes The Itawamba Community College Division of Economic and Community Services is offering an opportunity for individuals to sharpen their skills and learn more about industrial maintenance with a series of short-term classes beginning Aug. 6. Classes meet at the ICC Belden Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays or Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. They include Basic Electricity, Aug. 6-20; Advanced Electricity, Aug. 22-Sept. 5; PLC-RSLogix for AB 5/500/MICROLOGIX, Sept. 4-18; Mechanical Drives, Sept. 4-Oct. 4; Fluid Power, Sept. 10-Oct. 8; Electrical Control Systems, Oct. 10-24; Industrial Control Wiring, Oct. 29-Nov. 12; Control Logix System Fundamentals and Programming, Oct. 30-Nov. 13; and Troubleshooting, Nov. 14-Dec. 3. Cost per 40-hour class is $480. For more information or to register, contact Becky Kelly at (662) 407-1500 or email rakelly@iccms.edu. ICC STEM project receives MentorLink grant Itawamba Community College has been selected as one of the winning colleges in the American Association of Community College’s MentorLinks: Advancing Technological Education program. Part of a national initiative supported by the National Science Foundation, the MentorLinks is an AACC member benefit. “Itawamba Community College is extremely grateful to the AACC for the opportunity and awarding of this significant grant that will make a difference in the lives of many of our students who soon will be able to explore STEM areas,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “We expect this interest to translate into more majors and ultimately more graduates in these fields.” The goals for ICC’s project, entitled Full STEM Ahead: Promoting Pathways in STEM, include increase enrollment and retention in STEM courses and career education programs, increase the number of graduates in STEM fields and career education programs and to facilitate student transfer in STEM fields. The two-year $20,000 grant for the period of October 1, 2021-November 30, 2023 will include salaries, benefits, travel, materials or resources and equipment. ... ICC offers new course in Enhanced Forklift Operator Training Itawamba Community College will offer a new course, Enhanced Forklift Operator Training, Dec. 15 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Belden Center. Topics include the requirements of the OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Regulation 29 CFR 1910.178, safe powered industrial truck operation and how forklifts work, identification of operating hazards as well as the general principles of safe operation and how to properly inspect and maintain a forklift. No previous experience in forklift operation is required. According to ICC Pathway Coordinator Josh Gammill, “This eight-hour class will provide students the opportunity to receive hands-on training on three different classifications of forklifts: Standup Rider (Class 1), Order Selector (Class 2) and LP Gas Powered Sit-Down Forklift (Class 4).” Cost of the course is $85. For more information or to preregister, call (662) 407-1500 or email rakelly@iccms.edu. ICC to offer Enhanced Forklift Operator Training at Belden Itawamba Community College will offer Enhanced Forklift Operator Training, Aug. 16, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Belden Center (3200 Adams Farm Rd.). Topics include the requirements of the OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Regulation 29 CFR 1910.178, safe powered industrial truck operation and how forklifts work, identification of operating hazards as well as the general principles of safe operation and how to properly inspect and maintain a forklift. According to ICC Pathway Coordinator Josh Gammill, “This eight-hour class will provide students the opportunity to receive hands-on training on three different classifications of forklifts: Standup Rider (Class 1), Order Selector (Class 2) and LP Gas Powered Sit-Down Forklift (Class 4).” Cost of the course is $85. For more information or to preregister call (662) 407-1500 or email rakelly@iccms.edu. ICC offers Enhanced Forklift Operator Training beginning Oct. 7 Registration is underway for an Enhanced Forklift Operator Training class at Itawamba Community College scheduled for Oct. 7 at the Belden Center (3200 Adams Farm Rd.). The class, which will meet from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., will enable individuals to receive hands-on training on three different classifications of forklifts: Standup Rider (Class 1), Order Selector (Class 2) and LP Gas Powered Sit-Down Forklift (Class 4). Topics include the requirements of the OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Regulation 29 CFR 1910.178, safe powered industrial truck operation and how forklifts work, identification of operating hazards as well as the general principles of safe operation and how to properly inspect and maintain a forklift. Cost is $85. To register or for more information, contact Becky Kelly at (662) 407-1500 or email rakelly@iccms.edu. Comments are closed.