Shasta College is hosting an Automation Open House on August 10th from 5:00-6:00PM in the 2500 Building. This event will showcase the new advanced manufacturing programs available at Shasta College. The programs will complement the industrial electronics curriculum and provide training in mechanical power transmission, rigging, hydraulics, machine alignment, machining, and similar skills.
The programmable automation courses will prepare individuals to advance their career in industrial installation and maintenance. Technicians who have these skills earn a wage between $16 and $26 per hour and are currently in demand in area industries. Eighteen individuals completed the first sequence this May. The college schedules the courses in the evening to allow employed individuals to participate. Individuals working for businesses that produce agricultural or manufactured products, lumber and aggregate suppliers, utilities or other businesses that rely on automated systems will benefit from this training.
Joe Kneer of Sierra Pacific Industries said, “Sierra Pacific Industries is committed to innovation in our industry. Shasta College’s curriculum, aligned with our industry’s needs, is resulting in highly-skilled graduates equipped with a solid foundation in PLC troubleshooting and
programming. We value Shasta College’s commitment to understanding our industry’s needs and preparing students to meet those needs in the workforce. Through our partnership with Shasta College, we have insured that tomorrow’s innovators are prepared today.”
With advisement from industry, investments have been made in new equipment that will be used to train skilled technicians to go to work for area businesses. Debbie DeCoito, Executive Director of the Smart Business Center said, “Smart Business Resource Center has been working with local business to identify skills gaps in manufacturing and industrial technology, including CNC machinist. We are excited to be involved in assisting those businesses and job seekers in the Northstate.”
Shasta College was the recipient of a $5.2 million Career Pathways Trust grant to build stronger academic pathways from high school to college in order to better serve the employment interests of Northern California. In addition to helping upgrade curriculum in many high schools, the grant has assisted Shasta College in developing these new industrial programs.
The next cycle of training begins in August during the fall semester. Individuals who are interested in industrial, electrical or maintenance mechanic training may contact Rick Osbrink at (530) 242-7560.
