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NIC to expand manufacturing training opportunities

NIC Mechatronics student Logan Jones works in a lab on Feb. 13, 2023 at the NIC Parker Technical Education Center in Rathdrum.

The Idaho Workforce Development Council approved a grant aimed at expanding advanced manufacturing training and education opportunities at North Idaho College.

The Industry Sector Grant will help provide the resources to allow the NIC mechatronics program to offer a one-year technical certificate, a two-year advanced technical certificate and an associate of applied science degree.

“This is a huge step forward for our students and the industry partners we've collaborated with,” NIC Dean of Instruction, Workforce Education Vicki Isakson said. “We're excited to see the impact it will have on workforce development in our region.”

The grant will also increase the capacity of the North Idaho College and University of Idaho 2+2 program allowing students to earn an associate degree in computer science, pre-engineering or cyber security and seamlessly transfer to the University of Idaho to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science with an emphasis in robotics and programmable logic controllers. Students also have an option to pursue an undergraduate robotics certificate.

North Idaho College partnered with Wagstaff, ATC Manufacturing, Hecla Mining, Idaho Forest Group, PotlatchDeltic Corp., Micron and the University of Idaho on the grant application and will continue to work with partners to increase outreach and awareness throughout the region.

The NIC Workforce Training Center will also update its curriculum and launch hybrid courses for short-term education and training in Programmable Logic Controls. Classes begin Oct. 5, to register, visit nic.edu/plc.

To learn more about mechatronics at NIC, visit nic.edu/programs/mechatronics/.