Partnership to expand mechatronics training

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The Heritage Classic Foundation is partnering with the S.C. Technical College System to invest $100,000 in a statewide grant to expand training for mechatronics workers.

The grant will fund Siemens Mechatronic System Certification Programs at the state’s 16 technical colleges. The training will provide skills certification with a focus on problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary engineering filed that includes mechanical engineering technology, robotics, electronics, computer engineering, telecommunications and systems and control engineering.

The Siemens certification is used by many manufacturers with a state presence, including BMW, Boeing, Michelin and Bosch, according to a news release.   

“The S.C. Technical College System continuously collaborates with industry to best meet essential workforce needs,” organization president Tim Hardee said in the release. “We look forward to working closely with our partners to train and prepare much-needed mechatronic technicians. Expansion of our offerings will help provide skilled workers who are so important to maintaining and supporting the technologically advanced equipment at manufacturing facilities across the state.”

The Heritage Classic Foundation is the general sponsor for the RBC Heritage golf tournament, South Carolina’s only annual PGA Tour event. Foundation trustee Doug Smith said the partnership will create a skilled workforce “that is vital to the success of many of our corporate partners across the state.”