Central Community College BUMP Grant Launches Training with CAMACO

Central Community College (CCC) was invited to the Camaco facilities to officially launch the PLC/Mechatronics training classes under the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Project BUMP (DUE ATE # 2500493) and to further strengthen partnerships that enhance Nebraska’s advanced manufacturing workforce pipeline. The meeting also provided an opportunity for the community college's leadership to meet Braulio Castillo, who will assist with Central Community College's future workforce development efforts.

This program will offer hands-on training in PLCs, automation, and mechatronics in a manufacturing environment, in collaboration with Central Community College. Employees gain practical experience with control systems, sensors, and industrial mechatronics using training equipment and real-world applications. The initiative builds on CCC’s iMEC and Mechatronics programs, showcasing education-industry collaboration to create career paths and strengthen manufacturing. Manufacturing and process industries drive the economy, increasing the demand for skilled technicians. Over five years, CCC in rural Nebraska developed a method for hands-on web-based mechatronics classes in secondary schools. This project will pilot this method for workers and adult learners in CCC AE programs, aiming to recruit 180 students over three years. The Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) recommended piloting with professionals to expand workforce education and validate a flexible, scalable model for technical training and career enhancement. This model could help businesses develop a skilled workforce.

The project aims to increase the number of mechatronics technicians in Nebraska by piloting a new delivery method for hands-on distance courses with industry workers and CCC Adult Education (AE) students. It will address industry demand and skill gaps and utilize CCC's resources to deliver an effective solution. Industry leaders and AE offices will participate in workshops using hands-on Mechatronics trainers. Students will complete a two-year course starting with DC fundamentals and instrumentation, then move to programmable controllers and industrial sensors. Lessons learned will support national efforts to boost Mechatronics careers. Funded by the NSF Advanced Technological Education program, the project focuses on technician education in advanced-technology fields vital to the economy.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. Artwork and branding support for the PLC Training Center provided by Austin Remm, Central Community College. Many thanks to Daniel Davidchik , Doug Pauley , Dr. Kathy Fuchser, Jerry Muller , and Andrew Dunn of Central Community College

Special recognition also goes to EHS Training Coordinator Alfredo Payan Perez, Controls Engineer Rafael Juzaino Cota, and Controls Technician Hernan Reynoso for completing the Train-the-Trainer portion of Project BUMP and aiding in the internal rollout and long-term sustainability of the program. Maintenance Manager Miguel Tecuatl, Production Manager Alfredo de Anda, and Tooling Manager Tyler Carey are actively investing in their teams by sending employees to participate in the classes and continue developing technical capabilities across the plant.

Source: Jason Buss , former HR Manager, Global EHS Leader, Workday Implementation Leader at Camaco via LinkedIn