Mechantronics Graduation Ceremony Recognized by Local Dignitaries

CNC Ten Year Anniversary Appropriate Date for Event

Batavia, NY (06/22/2017) — On June 26, 2017 at 12 p.m., Genesee Community College (GCC), Erie Community College (ECC) and the CNC Technical Solutions Training Center will recognize its most recent Mechatronics training students in a graduation ceremony. Graduates represent several classes of skilled, manufacturing employees from companies throughout the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties) and western New York regions. The graduation program will be held at the CNC Technical Solutions training facility in Medina.

In addition to the graduates, their company supervisors or representatives, local dignitaries, including State Senator Robert G. Ortt, 62nd Senate District and Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, New York State Assembly District 139 will be attending.

The graduation program will feature additional remarks by GCC Provost/Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kathleen Schiefen, ECC Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Richard C. Washousky, CNC Technical Solutions Center CEO and Founder John Nappa, Joseph Tomlinson, Joint Apprentice Chairman of the Buffalo Ford Stamping Plant/Ford Motor Company and graduating students.

The Mechatronics Program at Genesee Community College started in spring 2015 as a collaborative partnership between GCC's BEST (Business Employee and Skills Training) Center, the Genesee County Economic Development Center and the CNC Technical Solutions Center. The program is designed to meet local company demands to train incumbent workers who maintain and often program the high-tech, industrial equipment and machinery in modern manufacturing plants. Since its start, the GCC program has graduated 42 participants over six courses. Participating companies have included Associated Brands, Bonduelle U.S.A., Brunner, Chassix Automotive, Creative Food Ingredients, Freeze-Dry Foods, Liberty Pumps, United States Gypsum and Yancey's Fancy.

Mechatronics is a multi-disciplinary, technical field which integrates mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and micro-electronic skills. Participants coming into the program have high-tech manufacturing responsibilities, with strong backgrounds in electronic and mechanical skills. This program is designed to instruct participants in the areas of electrical and mechanical technical repair support. Each course is tailored to meet the training needs of local manufacturers, which enroll students in this program.

The Mechatronics program consists of three 17-week phases: Phase 1 - Industrial Electronics,

Phase 2 - Industrial Controls and PLCs and Phase 3 - Advanced Industrial Controls and Practical Applications. Each phase consists of 136 hours of classroom lessons and technical hands-on skill applications. Participants attend one day a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the duration of the course.

"The need for employees skilled in mechatronics is rapidly increasing. Companies need to be able to immediately troubleshoot and maintain their own high-tech equipment to compete effectively in a global environment that demands speed. CNC Technical Solution's resources and expertise provide the essential resources and facilities to make this program a reality and serve a rapidly emerging need in the GLOW region. GCC is excited to play an instrumental role in this training initiative to provide our area manufacturers with critical technical skills," said Reid Smalley, Executive Director of Workforce Development, Genesee Community College.

CNC Technical Solutions was incorporated on June 26, 2007, ten years earlier to the day of this graduation event, according to CEO John Nappa. CNC Technical Solutions is a think-tank group of engineers, technicians and technical writers dedicated to delivering world-class engineering, technical training and technical support services to the automotive, medical, aerospace and food industries as well as other private-sector industries. They specialize in the customization of machine and control-specific training.

While the Mechatronics program tuition is partially funded by companies, there is generous, additional assistance provided by two sources. The Workforce Development Institute (WDI) provides significant funding designated within the New York State budget. The WDI works regionally across NYS to identify targeted strategies which address workforce-development opportunities and challenges. These strategies can include partnerships, training and/or funding. High Tech Rochester (HTR) also provides financial support from NYS's Empire State Development's Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership. HTR is a nonprofit whose mission is to be a catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation-based economic development. They apply business expertise and network connections to aid in the formation and profitable growth of companies in the Rochester area and the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York.

Refreshments will be served and tours of the CNC Technical Solutions training facility will be conducted after the ceremony. For more information on this program, please contact Jennifer Wakefield in GCC's BEST Center at 585-343-0055, ext. 6602.

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Genesee Community College

Mechantronics Graduation Ceremony Recognized by Local Dignitaries

CNC Ten Year Anniversary Appropriate Date for Event

Genesee Community College

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