Staff report

MATTOON - In collaboration with regional manufacturers and the Lake, Land College Foundation, the college's Center for Business and Industry has created ' the region's first Manufacturing Skills Training Laboratory.

Located in the Lake Land College Workforce Development Center in Mattoon, the Manufacturing Skills Training Lab offers businesses an opportunity to provide customized, targeted training on the latest equipment at a local facility or at the manufacturer's site.

"Manufacturing is now high tech in many of the plants in our region," said Rob Westcott, associate dean for CBI.

The equipment offers ' hands-on training of skill sets required by machine operators, maintenance personnel, machine technicians or those seeking to upgrade to these positions in modem manufacturing operations.

"The Manufacturing Skills Training Lab answers the need for customized, high-quality training that many of the area manufacturers were unable to obtain locally prior to the lab," Lake Land College President Robert K. Luther said.

In cooperation with the Lake Land College Foundation, the college has sought the support of many local organizations to establish the lab. To date, the following manufacturers have contributed to Phase I of the project: Charleston Area Charitable Foundation, Mattoon Precision Manufacturing Inc., Effingham TIF District, Hydro-Gear, and Sullivan and Mattoon Area Industrial Development Corporation. Phase II will expand the available equipment, and Phase III will add a Computer Integrated Manufacturing Cell to, the lab.

"The Manufacturing Skills Training Lab brings together all components of the college. The lab is an ideal example of our vision when developing the Workforce Development Center," said Ron Sanderson, associate vice president for work force development.

The curriculum, developed with the assistance of major manufacturers, involves participants in structured activities that replicate real industrial situations. A combination of instructor-led self-paced and activity-based learning strategies ensure that learning styles are accommodated.

Skill areas include mechanic drive systems, fluid power systems, electrical systems, electric machines, motor controls, electrofluid power, programmable logic control and quality assurance.

"Single-company training programs are designed according to the assessed needs of a specific employer. Multicompany training programs are offered as skill needs involving more than on company are identified," Westcott said.

For more information, contact the Center for Business and Industry-Manufacturing Skills Training Specialist, Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave. East, Mattoon, IL. 61938 or call 234-5386, or e-mail industry@lakeland.cc.il.us.

Coles Together
400 Airport Road
Mattoon, Illinois 61938
(217) 258-5627