A new class starting this fall at LeCroy Career Technical Center will provide students with education and training needed to pursue jobs in the manufacturing industry.

The Advanced Manufacturing Academy will be offered through a partnership between LCTC and Jefferson State Community College along with a $379,000 grant from the 21st Century Workforce Act.

“This will be a great opportunity for our students to truly become ‘college and career ready,’” LCTC Director Tommy Glasscock said. “These students will be recruited out of our robotics program for the most part. This is a step above what we do in robotics.”

Glasscock said LCTC would provide the class facility and equipment, such as simulation robots and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Jeff State provides the instructor.

Glasscock said the program is primarily for 11th and 12th graders, but those seeking a two-year degree or wanting more training for their current industry jobs could also enroll.

High school students who take the class can earn both high school and dual enrollment credit through Jeff State.

Courses will include: Blueprint Reading for Manufacturing, Introduction to Robotics, Fundamentals Industrial Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Programmable Logic Controllers I, Advanced Motor Drives, and Principles of Welding and Metal Cutting Techniques.

Day and evening classes will be offered.

“This program will be a model for how we see technical partnerships for the future with our K-12 partners,” Jeff State President Dr. Judy Merritt said. “It will give students an opportunity to not only receive high school credit but through dual enrollment allow the student to receive college credit.”

Glasscock said the program is geared toward large industry employers in the community, such as Johnson Controls Inc. and Kumi Manufacturing Alabama LLC.

The Advanced Manufacturing Academy will be housed in the former Electronics building on the LCTC campus, and the electronics courses would become part of the program.

“We want Alabama’s students to experience a lifetime of success,” said Dr. Philip Cleveland, Alabama Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development Director. “Innovative partnerships, like this one established between the LeCroy Career Technical Center and Jefferson State Community College, are key – they help to equip students with essential academic and career skills. The information being taught in this program will be a valuable asset for students. It will prepare them for postsecondary learning and successful careers in the workforce.”

Enrollment is limited. For more information about the program, call (205) 280-2920.