The combination of mechanical, electronic, controls,
robotics
and
computers is making mechatronics the high-tech career of
the
future as demanded by industry.
Mechatronics is an educational blend of mechanical systems, electrical systems,
computer and controls systems. According to Peter Buczynsky, president and
co-owner of Pharmaworks in Odessa, FL, “engineers and technicians with mechatronics experience are
in rare supply and highly sought after by industry.” Buczynsky predicts as more
and more automated electro-mechanical systems become commonplace, and “unless
we support this industry need” the United States we will fall further behind
other nations that already have recognized and embraced this technology.
Given this surge in demand for qualified technicians
and educators, Buczynsky recently co-hosted
a Mechatronics Forum with FLATE at
St. Petersburg College in Clearwater, FL. The half day Forum represented an
industry-led initiative to raise awareness and drive alignment towards the promotion of
interdisciplinary field of Mechatronics. The goal, Buczynsky said, was to bring
educators, industry, career advisors, students, parents together for an
informative forum with plenty of time for Q&A so participants would walk
away with a clear understanding of ongoing efforts to accelerate
implementation.
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| click http://tinyurl.com/mwvz399 to view video |
The Forum
featured prominent industry experts and educators across Tampa Bay who shared
their
perspectives on how communities have successfully implemented
mechatronics programs and formulated mechatronics certifications. Maria
Ferrante of PMMI (Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies) spoke
of their development of the NAM endorsed PMMI Mechatronics certification (one
of the industry specific TRADE certifications). Bryan Kamm, from the Florida chapter of the German American Chamber of
Commerce, presented the German dual system of education model where critical,
foundational skills are taught with industry heavily involved with the hands-on
element of education. Kamm also discussed the concept of local ITC’s
(Industrial Training Centers) in each county—currently a hot topic amongst
local legislature. Dr. Marilyn Barger, executive director of FLATE
highlighted current Florida mechatronics program at the secondary and
post-secondary levels.
In all of
this, Buczynsky spoke of a fundamental need for industry to get aligned and
show unified support for mechatronics programs. Doing so, he believes, will
convince legislature that Mechatronics is a secure investment that will not
only meet the needs of local industry, but will attract more high-tech companies
to the region.
In addition to the Forum, FLATE also
co-hosted an education mechatronics forum. The 90 minute webinar was part of MATEC
NETWORKS series of professional webinars that featured prominent industry
members who discussed the value of mechatronics knowledge and skills in
high-tech workplaces. Dr. Marilyn Barger, executive director of FLATE together
with industry leaders and educators from across the country showcased how NSF ATE centers are partnering with
industry to educate incumbent and future workers in mechatronics. After
attending this webinar participants gained a better understanding of industry
needs and devise strategies to modify and/or create a program to meet that
need. For more information, or to register for this free webinar visit http://www.matecnetworks.org/growth.php.
For more information visit www.fl-ate.org, or contact
Dr. Marilyn Barger at barger@fl-ate.org
or 813.259.6578.
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