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Alabama State Board Of Education
Approves New Workforce Development Program for Northeast
Northeast Alabama Community College received another major
component in expanding its workforce development program when
the State Board of Education recently approved the college to
offer the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and Certificate in
Industrial Systems Technology. This high-tech training program
will include options in Multi-skilled Maintenance Technician,
Maintenance Mechanic, Electrical and Instrumentation, Welding,
and Machining.
“We are excited to be able to offer this program in response the
needs of local industry,” stated Dr. David Campbell. “This
program will prepare students to work in a vast array of
industrial careers and set the stage for even more specialized
training programs that potentially can benefit our local economy
and provide jobs for our citizens.”
Industrial Systems Technology integrates
mechanical troubleshooting and preventive maintenance with
electrical and electronics set-up and troubleshooting. The
result is a highly skilled technician with the knowledge,
skills, and abilities necessary to install, maintain, diagnose,
and repair complex manufacturing systems.
According to Mike Kennamer, Director of Workforce Development,
this program will provide a number of entry and exit points for
students. Short-term certificates provide students with the
entry-level skills they need to get their foot in the door in
welding, machining, or any aspect of industrial maintenance,
electricity, or electronics. Long-term certificates add to that
foundation and allow the student to further their skills in
their chosen path; and degrees take the student farther and
deeper into their chosen field.
Kennamer added that NACC has established a
relationship with the U. S. Department of Labor that will allow
the college to work with local industry to match graduates or
students who are nearing graduation with companies that need the
skills they can provide. Kennamer says the college can work with
a company through a registered apprenticeship program to
establish a pathway that will take the student in to the
workforce with the skills needed to succeed.
All students in this program will take core courses that include
precision measurement, blueprint reading, and safety. Depending
upon the area of focus, the student will then progress to study
electricity, instrumentation, machining, industrial motors,
hydraulics, industrial wiring, metal cutting, process control,
pneumatics, motor controls, programmable logic controls,
welding, troubleshooting, or a combination of these areas. The
associate degree programs also include core academic courses in
the college’s educational curriculum.
“Mr. Kennamer and our staff have done a
great job working to get this program approved,” Campbell
stated. “They have worked closely with workforce development
officials in Governor Riley’s administration and the Alabama
Department of Postsecondary Education. We appreciate their
leadership and guidance in this. We have also received help and
support from local industry and economic development leaders and
we are indebted to them for their work.”
Campbell added that plans for the program include the renovation
and expansion of the previous EMS Building on campus to provide
space. He added that financing for the building will largely
come through funds from bond monies provided this year by the
state. Approximately $450,000 in funds for renovation and
equipment also has been obtained by the college through special
state grants and the Alabama Technology Network (ATN) has
committed another $100,000 in funds for equipment. The ATN
Center at Northeast will also participate in training projects
as a part of this program.
“As a result of the downswing in state
revenue and funding that public education is now experiencing,
we will be implementing this program in stages as funds permit,”
Campbell stated. “But already we have obtained some good funding
sources to get the program underway.”
Campbell noted that this type program
places the college in a position to provide future specialized
training for local residents, such as skills that might be
needed if construction and operation of the Bellefonte Nuclear
Plant in Jackson County is renewed. “Providing workforce
development and job skills training is a part of our mission at
Northeast,” Campbell added. “It’s very rewarding for us to start
programs like this that can lead to employment opportunities for
people in our area.”
Those who are interested in the program
may contact the Office of Workforce Development at
kennamerm@nacc.edu or
phone extension 254 for more information.
Northeast Alabama Community College is a
comprehensive community college providing academic transfer
courses, career programs, business and industry services, adult
education, and cultural enrichment opportunities. The college in
particular is recognized for its outstanding academic and fine
arts programs.
Northeast personnel review plans for new
program. Seated: Dr. David Campbell, President. Standing (left
to right): Chris Anderson, Project Engineer, Alabama Technology
Network, NACC Center; Mike Kennamer, Director, Workforce
Development and Job Skills Training; and Pat Bridgeman,
Administrative Assistant to the Director of Workforce
Development and Job Skills Training.
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