Nestled between the industrial giants of Milwaukee and Green Bay lies Lakeshore Technical College (LTC), a school of excellence in manufacturing education. With a strong emphasis on Industry 4.0, LTC serves as a vital hub for cultivating the next generation of manufacturing leaders.
LTC’s commitment to excellence is evident in its array of programs tailored to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving manufacturing industry. The college has always been a leader in teaching advanced automation, but the recent emphasis on Industry 4.0 will help drive manufacturing in the region forward. From maintenance technician courses and PLC training to industrial robotics and IIoT, students are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven environment.
“Our goal is to kind of just stay ahead of the curve, right? We know that things are coming through industry really, really quickly. So our goal is to make sure that we’re staying ahead and able to train our community,” explains Rachel Kroeplien, Dean of Applied Technology and Economic Development.
A large part of the effort to innovate has been LTC’s partnership with the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA). SACA offers industry-backed, third-party certifications to individuals who can demonstrate knowledge and skills around advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Students can earn SACA credentials at LTC in addition to their technical diploma or associates degree. These credentials are a way to show prospective employers that they have the necessary skills to perform in high-demand careers.
This June, the college is hosting a SACA gold instructor certification event, where teachers and trainers from any SACA-member company or school anywhere in the country can come earn SACA gold (hands-on) certifications, which will enable them to deliver the same certifications to their own students back home.
Partnerships and pathways are a major driver for LTC’s success. Instructor Matt Roskopf highlights LTC’s innovative dual credit opportunities for high school students, enabling them to earn college credits while still in high school. This initiative not only accelerates their educational journey but also provides them with a competitive edge in the job market.
“I actually knew nothing about machining before I came in. And I learned everything I know now. It really helped me to open my eyes to other careers,” shared a high school dual-credit student, echoing the sentiments of many others who have benefited from LTC’s programs.
Despite the tech shortage facing Wisconsin, LTC remains at the forefront of manufacturing education. By forging strong partnerships with industry leaders and continuously evolving its programs, LTC ensures a steady supply of skilled talent to meet the industry’s needs. With its innovative programs and unwavering dedication to excellence, LTC is shaping tomorrow’s manufacturing leaders and empowering individuals to thrive in an ever-changing industry landscape.
Lakeshore Technical College uses Amatrol eLearning and hands-on training equipment to teach Industry 4.0 courses. They also use FANUC to teach industrial robotics and automation. To learn more about these solutions for your own school, contact us.
