Area 30 Career Center to offer new high-tech manufacturing program

In an effort to keep up with the demand, Area 30 Career Center will be offering a new program to its students in August, which will focus on high-tech manufacturing.

The W.I.R.E.D. (welding, innovation, robotics, engineering and design) program is an introduction to the research, design and development of manufactured products utilizing advanced technologies and principals.

"These industries are saying that they have a shortage of skilled workers," Assistant Director Chad Nunley said. "We feel like the W.I.R.E.D program will at least introduce students to those skills that the industry is looking for."

The new program will incorporate training in modern equipment, including computer numerical controlled machinery, welding, robotics and computer-aided design-driven software. It is the goal of the program to introduce students to the different career fields that are available within such high-tech industries.

Students will also gain knowledge into such programs by being aided by those currently working in the industry, which will be guest-teaching for two weeks at a time.

"The importance came from the demand. The demand was area industry basically noting that we did not have or offer anything at the high school level for the manufacturing industry," W.I.R.E.D. instructor Curtis Davis said. "Most career paths, when you consider manufacturing, view that as an entry level, non-skilled type of job. That's really a shallow interpretation because there's so much depth into advanced manufacturing."

Area 30 is also hoping to change the view of manufacturing as many may see it as just standing in an assembly line.

"We're introducing students to use high-tech manufacturing and robotics, but there are several other pieces there that students can see that manufacturing is not just standing in an assembly line. There's a lot more to it," Nunley explained. "We've got several pretty high-tech factories here in Greencastle. There are a variety of experiences here (within the program) that could lead them to seek more training in a specific area."

Through this program, students will be able to perform basic welding fabrication, interpret drawing dimensions and symbols, use computer-aided design to create 3D models and working drawings, setup and operate computer numerical controlled machinery and computer integrated manufacturing technology as well as programmable logic controllers and robotics.

The program is three credits per semester and will also include dual-credits with both Vincennes University and Ivy Tech.

Students may now enroll for the W.I.R.E.D. program through their individual schools. For more information visit www.area30.k12.in.us or may call Area 30 at 653- 3515.