A student loads a Sharpie pen into a robotic arm while another stands by with the controller

Mechatronics Course Schedule

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Continuing Education Schedule of Courses

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Mechatronics Course Descriptions

Mechatronics combines electrical, mechanical, computer, and industrial engineering. BRCC’s Mechatronics teaches students about product design, instrumentation, manufacturing methods, and computer integration in process and device control.

Skills Certification System

The Manufacturing Institute has launched the NAM-Endorsed Skills Certification System to create stackable credentials that can apply to all sectors of the manufacturing sector. These nationally portable, industry-recognized credentials validate the skills and competencies needed to be productive and successful in entry-level manufacturing positions.

The stackable certifications build on basic academic and workplace requirements, followed by technical competencies, and then specialized, occupationally specific skills. The sequence is capped with professional and managerial certifications offered at the baccalaureate and graduate levels. MSSC certifications validate the core competencies of new-hires and can also be used to improve and sharpen the skills of existing employees.

Certified Logistics Technician Track (MSSC)

Students receive comprehensive training in required areas.

  • Global Supply Chain
  • Logistics Environment
  • Product Receiving
  • Product Storage
  • Order Processing
  • Inventory Control
  • Customs
  • Tracking Operations
  • Forklift Operations
  • OSHA 10
  • Microsoft Excel

More than 20 classes provide students with the training to sit for the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Logistics Technician exam.

Certified Production Technician Track (MSSC)

Students receive comprehensive training in required areas.

  • Safety
  • Quality and Continuous Improvement
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Machine Automation
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Mechanical/ Electrical Principles

Classes provide students with the training to sit for the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician exam.

Manufacturing Production Technician (CPTAE)

The Certified Production Technician (CPTAE) program certifies students who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of manufacturing production (front-line entry-level to front-line supervisor) through successful completion of the certification assessments.
The goal of the CPTAE certification program is to raise the level of performance in production employees. The program consists of five individual certificate modules:

  • Safety
  • Quality Practices & Measurement
  • Manufacturing Processes & Production
  • Maintenance Awareness
  • Green Production

Candidates must earn the first four certificates to receive the full CPTAE certification.

Other Related Programs

Basic Electricity: The Invisible Electron
The course teaches the basics of electricity and is designed for beginning electricians to maintenance technicians.

PLC Applications — Level I
The course teaches the basics of binary arithmetic, ladder logic, terminology, and hardware components associated with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).

PLC Applications — Level II
This course is a PLC boot camp for those already familiar with Programmable Logic Controllers. It covers troubleshooting and programming issues.

Other courses are available upon request.

 

Tooling U-SME Recognizes Blue Ridge Community College as Model in Manufacturing Education

 

Blue Ridge is one of five institutions to receive the 2015 Tooling U-SME Platinum Education Center (TUPEC) Award

In recognition of the significant role of manufacturing in today’s global society, Tooling U-SME, a leader in manufacturing learning and development, recognized Blue Ridge Community College with its Tooling U-SME Platinum Education Center (TUPEC) award. Blue Ridge was one of five colleges receiving this honor in 2015, which is given to institutions considered to be outstanding academic models for the advancement of the manufacturing industry.

Blue Ridge Community College enhances the professional development of students by creatively using online and hands-on training in a blended learning format to help develop a skilled and qualified future manufacturing workforce.

“Blue Ridge Community College, like our past recipients, exemplifies the spirit of the TUPEC awards,” said Toni Neary, education specialist for Tooling U-SME’s Government and Education Group. “We applaud the instructors and schools that make practical use of technology and state-of-the-art equipment to prepare our future manufacturing workforce. These programs are not just educating, but inspiring the next generation.”

Since 2012, Tooling U-SME has recognized exceptional two-year and technical schools that embrace flexibility, high-quality content and efficiencies in teaching skills that students need to become valuable members of the manufacturing workforce. Students who graduate from these schools are better prepared for manufacturing careers, providing immediate value to the companies that hire them.

Blue Ridge Community College started including Tooling U-SME’s online coursework into its Customized Training programs with local manufacturers in 2013. Shortly after, the coursework became part of the school’s Computer Integrated Machining program. Since then, the college has deployed this curriculum throughout other advanced technology disciplines including Engineering, Mechatronics, Welding, and Industrial Maintenance.

“There are many great community colleges and technical schools that work diligently to level set students with the skills needed to be successful in the manufacturing industry,” said Bryan Bagley, Endowed Chair Computer Integrated Machining at Blue Ridge Community College. “We are honored to be recognized as an educational leader working to help close the skills gap.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that nearly 3.5 million skilled manufacturing workers may be needed to fill the talent pipeline within the next ten years. Unfortunately, two million of those jobs are expected to go unfilled due to a shortage of workers with the skills necessary to operate in an advanced manufacturing environment. Manufacturing companies can look to community colleges and technical schools for innovative training programs that produce highly skilled candidates for employment in their sector.

 

Contact Us

ewdce@blueridge.edu

(828) 694-1735