CCAC’s New Center for Education, Innovation & Training Shines as Host to the National Coalition of Certification Centers for Instructor Professional Development
Francis Cartieri, CCAC Assistant Professor of Mechatronics, Entrepreneurial Manufacturing with Laura Kubiak from Toledo Public Schools during the NC3 Training event held at CCAC’s new Center for Education, Innovation & Training. Professor Cartieri is demonstrating the process of programming a robot to use an optical sensor to distinguish between different workpiece shapes to automate a typical package sorting task.
The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) recently inaugurated the new Center for Education, Innovation & Training (CEIT), hosting the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) for a three-day instructor professional development program.
More than 34 participants from 21 organizations nationwide attended the program, which was held at CCAC's Allegheny Campus Nov. 13 through Nov. 15, right on the heels of the college's October CEIT ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The National Coalition of Certification Centers is an industry-education partnership that supports both professional and curriculum development in community colleges and high schools leading to industry certification in the aviation, transportation, manufacturing and energy sectors. CCAC has been partnering with NC3 since 2019.
"We had an overwhelming response to this year's program," said Roger Tadajewski, NC3 Executive Director. "CCAC's new cutting-edge CEIT classrooms and labs offer the latest technology and are a natural hub for advancing practices and fostering collaboration. The facility is poised to become a national beacon for education innovation."
NC3 certification curriculum represents a complete turnkey system of classroom presentation materials, labs and exams centered on today's in-demand industry skills. NC3 certification supplements a school's existing curriculum with theory and hands-on practice utilizing world-class equipment and tools.
Housing the latest industry-recognized robotics and automation equipment manufactured by leading companies like Festo Automation, the CEIT facility offers trainees the opportunity to learn in a real-world environment. The college also partnered with Festo's educational arm, Festo Didactic, and NC3 to integrate industry certifications into the program curriculum for CCAC Mechatronics students.
"CCAC remains committed to providing students and professionals with access to the latest advancements in technology and education tools," said Michael Rinsem, CCAC Endowed Professor of Technical Curriculum. "The success of this first event and the overwhelming response to the new CEIT facility by professionals from across the nation are powerful testaments to CCAC's dedication to training the workforce of the future."
"The vision and leadership of Mr. Rinsem and Dr. Justin Starr, CCAC Endowed Professor of Advanced Technologies, alongside Andrew Mercer, District Manager of Educational Solutions Enterprises, have made the CEIT facility a place to advance education and provide a platform for students and professionals to acquire valuable job-ready training using the most advanced machinery," added Lisa Marshall, NC3 Festo Senior Program Manager.
About The National Coalition Of Certification Centers (NC3)
NC3 was established to help build a workforce prepared to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's industries by connecting employers and educational institutions in synergistic partnerships that foster effective training, elevation of skilled careers, and employment opportunities. In fulfilling its mission, NC3 builds deep industry-educational partnerships and develops, implements and sustains industry-recognized.