MTC program targeting welding, mechatronics students

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Midlands Technical College is partnering with five area high school career and technology education centers and 12 industry organizations to speed students’ transition into manufacturing jobs.

The new Pathways to Manufacturing Careers program offers 22 scholarships for high school graduates interested in careers in welding or mechatronics, according to a news release from MTC. Students in partner high schools will receive college credit for manufacturing-related courses, and MTC is working with participating companies to create internships and apprenticeships for qualified students.

“Work experience is a key element of the program to prepare students for careers in manufacturing,” Sandra Hackley, MTC’s associate vice president for career programs, said in the release. “Workforce development in this area is critical to our industries and will impact the future growth and development of the Midlands region.”

Participating high schools and companies were not named in the release.

In the Midlands, welders earn an average of nearly $49,000, while mechatronics technicians earn an average of $58,000, according to the release. Also called mechatronic engineering, mechatronics is a multidisciplinary branch of engineering that focuses on electrical and mechanical systems and includes robotics, electronics, computer, telecommunications, systems, control and product engineering.

“Many high school students are unaware of the exciting and well-paying career options they can have by enrolling in MTC’s industrial programs,” Hackley said. “Welding and mechatronics are just two of these careers where high pay and job growth are prevalent.”

MTC will play host to a Workforce Pathways Summit on June 6 in an effort to add more high schools and programs to the initiative. Interested schools can contact Gwendolyn Preston at prestong@midlandstech.edu.