Dr. Tim Wilson, CSCC Advanced Technology Department chair (front row, kneeling) at the Siemens Technik Akademie in Berlin, Germany where he received the Instructor’s Level II Siemens Mechatronics Systems Certification
Dr. Tim Wilson, Advanced Technology Department chair at Cleveland State Community College, attended the Siemens Technik Akademie in Berlin, Germany where he received the Instructor’s Level II Siemens Mechatronics Systems Certification. The Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program is a comprehensive industry skills certification offered with partner colleges and universities throughout North America, Asia and Africa. The central theme for this program is the systems approach, a special set of teaching and learning methods developed over 25 years in Siemens technical schools in Germany, officials said.
Dr. Wilson receiving this globally recognized certification enables CSCC to offer Level II mechatronics technology certification training. Dr. Wilson had already received his Level I training through Motlow State Community College in 2016, but the Level II is only offered in Berlin, Germany. Other CSCC instructors will be receiving Level I training this summer, and the college is currently working with local high schools for mechatronics pathways, as well as other four-year colleges to develop 2+2 articulations. Students would be able to complete two years at CSCC and transfer to other four-year universities where they would receive their Level III training by earning a bachelor’s of applied science in engineering technology management with a concentration in engineering management.
“Motlow State was the first in the state to implement the SMSCP, and they have been fantastic partners for us ensuring our success in implementing the SMSCP,” stated Dr. Wilson. “We are one of only four in a system of 13 community colleges to receive Level II status and offer mechatronics SMSCP training.”
A student can now receive Level I training at CSCC with only four classes, so it is possible for him/her to receive the certification in one semester. Students can start in August and are qualified to take the Level I certification in December. Then, the following semester, they can finish their certificate from the college. So, in one year, they will have two credentials.
“We have the perfect pathway,” stated Dr. Wilson. “I describe it like an interstate. You can get off the certificate exit and enter the workforce, but you can also get back on the ramp and continue on to the next exit, the A.A.S. exit, or if you want to continue, you can get off at the next exit to complete your B.A.S.. But it doesn’t stop there. You can even continue on and further your education by getting your master’s degree.”
Dr. Wilson continued, “To get your B.A.S., not only do you understand the technology and how it works, how to repair it and how it functions, but you are also setting yourself up for leadership and team leader and superintendent positions because you also understand the business, the techniques and technologies, and leadership making you the perfect liaison between the administration and your reliability team…This is all an answer to industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (I.O.T.) which will prepare people for the present and future advancement in manufacturing processes.”
The Mechatronics technology program (Level I) at CSCC will be a cohort of two classes with 15 students each, two days a week for 15 weeks. Mechatronics technology is only one of many programs in advanced technologies at CSCC in the fall. In addition to the mechatronics technology A.A.S. and certificate, the college currently offers the following degrees and certificates:
? Welding Certificate
? Engineering Systems Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree / Certificate
? Electro-Mechanical Associate of Applied Science Degree / Electrical Certificate /
Mechanical Certificate
? Electrical Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science / Electrical Certificate
? Computer Information Technology Associate of Applied Science / Certificate
? Climate Control Technology Technical Certificate
The welding certificate and an electrical maintenance certificate are also offered at the CSCC Monroe County Center. For more information on the mechatronics technology program or any other advanced technologies, contact Dr. Wilson at 423-472-7141, ext. 447.