Lakes Region Community College is introducing a new Industrial Automation and Robotics degree program starting this fall. This two-year program will prepare students for an exciting and lucrative career in a rapidly expanding technical field and fill workforce needs. Pursuing an Automation and Robotics degree is ideal for those who enjoy a robotics team, find passion in how things work, or want a career within a high-demand technology.
“This hands-on program will prepare students to tackle real-world challenges in the field,” said Patrick Cate, interim president of LRCC. “By completing this degree, students can expect to evolve with this technology and develop the necessary skills to pursue various career paths in the industry. I’m proud that LRCC can offer programs using state-of-the-art technology and is building local partnerships that support our community. ”
LRCC has engaged industry professionals for direct input on the field’s current and future skillset needs. This crucial feedback is being incorporated into the curriculum to help ensure that students become work ready upon completing the program.
“Manufacturers in the region are facing labor shortages and are looking to automation and robotics to help fill these needs,” said Joseph Smith, LRCC Advanced Manufacturing and Electrical instructor and department chair. “Robotics and automation will change the scope of manufacturing jobs and create more efficiencies in the process. Human oversight and management roles will be critical but will shift as new technologies are adopted. The new Industrial Automation and Robotics program is a pathway for students interested in robotics leading them towards a sustaining career in automation and filling these changing workforce needs.”
The Industrial Automation and Robotics program encompasses hands-on training in networking, programming, fabrication, and electronics for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting automation and robotics. This hands-on approach is valuable in preparing students to tackle real-world challenges in the field.
As part of the Industrial Automation and Robotics program, students will spend a semester mentoring a local FIRST Robotics team. FIRST Robotics prepares young people across the globe for the future and advances science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and has more than 250 teams across the state.
“From my experience working with our high school FIRST Robotics teams and students, many are seeking a pathway through the Community College System of New Hampshire to a successful career,” said Ken St. Hilaire, FIRST New Hampshire Director. “The Industrial Automation and Robotics program at LRCC will create an excellent opportunity for these students to expand the skills they have initially developed through FIRST, leading to a rewarding career right here in our state.”
The LRCC Industrial Automation and Robotics program is designed to seamlessly transfer into bachelor’s degree programs for students looking to continue their studies. The program at LRCC adds to the opportunities to train in robotics within the Community College System of New Hampshire and will help in meeting the state’s workforce needs in this field.
The program starts August 28, 2023. For more information or to register, visit LRCC.edu.
The program is pending formal approval by the CCSNH board of trustees.
