Mechatronics is the new buzzword in northern Minnesota. The unique, hybrid training program teaches a combination of mechanical, electrical, and automation technology skills, turning out the type of multi-disciplined recruits local employers crave.
In 2022, Northland Community & Technical College partnered with Marvin to open an onsite location at the Advanced Resource Center for Innovation and Education (ARC) in Warroad, Minn. The Mechatronics program launched soon after, attracting the attention of the area’s largest employers — Marvin, Polaris, and ANI Pharmaceuticals, to name a few. “We find that area employers, particularly in the manufacturing industry, have an increasing need for problem-solving skills within their workforce,” said Jackson Harren, Mechatronics Program Instructor. “The technology and mechanics in their operation are outpacing their internal expertise for maintaining or even fully integrating the latest technology. We have several employers sponsoring their employees to complete the Mechatronics program to keep up with the pace of their technology. The demand is real and urgent.”
Mechatronics program at a glance
Northland’s mechatronics program features innovative curriculum and delivery methods that support the growing need for advanced manufacturing automation skill sets in the region. Students can earn an A.A.S. degree within the 60-credit program, with opportunities to earn various certificates also in the works. Program leaders hope to make certain courses available on a stand-alone basis as well to help students master a specific new skill or take their personal interests to the next level. With Marvin donating space at the ARC facility, Northland invested in a redesign of the mechatronics curriculum with input from industry leaders.
Surging demand
While mechatronics is still a relatively new category in academia, it’s the jack-of-all-trades skill set employers have long sought but rarely found. The demand has spurred wider interest and greater awareness for Northland’s program at the ARC in Warroad. “This program is unique in that it offers a variety of key skill sets within one program,” Harren said. “The equipment and software we train on at the Northland Skill Lab is the same as what you’ll find at area manufacturers, so our students are ready for their careers on day one of employment.”
Courses in the lab incorporate hands-on projects, where students are assigned projects that require them to demonstrate their skills by delivering a functional outcome (e.g., coding a machine, bending metal, welding, etc.). It’s a perfect match for a specifically designed curriculum for local, in-demand jobs.
As such, Northland announced that fall 2024 enrollment has doubled from this past spring semester, with a mixture of traditional students, adult learners, and industry professionals seeking additional training. With both day and evening lab hours, the program’s flexibility allows every type of student to succeed. “We see our students advancing into higher level Machine Operator positions, Maintenance Technician jobs and even Engineering or Design technician roles,” Harren said.
Northland is planning to host an Experience Northland event in Warroad, which will allow the community and prospective students to tour the ARC facility and learn more about the Mechatronics program. The schedule will be announced at a later date.
