Planning Grant for a Regional Manufacturing Education Center

California Polytechnic State University Foundation, San Luis Obispo CA

Investigators

Abstract

California manufacturers cannot fill their demand for qualified, trained technicians in electronics, welding, machining and other manufacturing related fields. Allan Hancock and Cuesta Colleges along with select industrial partners and faculty are joining California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo to address this shortage by developing a Regional Center for Manufacturing Education. This project constitutes the planning phase for the development of this center. The planning phase is helping the participating members to create the strong linkages needed for the success of such a comprehensive undertaking. Planning activities are focused on organizing meetings with industrial partners to identify industry needs, offering a pilot workshop to community college and high school faculty, and reviewing all relevant data to meet industry needs for manufacturing while maintaining educational integrity. Once developed, this center will provide industry driven skill training for high tech jobs, will offer a series of activities to attract students into manufacturing programs, and will give those who wish to pursue a baccalaureate degree a seamless path to a four-year institution.