Funding Awarded: $95,000

Key Partners:

South Central College, Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College, MN Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence, South Central Workforce Council

Project Description:

In the Mankato area, South Central College has developed and is delivering four core curriculum Mechatronics classes to workers on MN’s Shared Work Pilot Program from five local employers. These businesses, at risk of laying off employees, can reduce employees’ hours while they participate in Mechatronics classes. This was facilitated through a legislative change. The employees receive unemployment benefits for their reduced work hours, while the employer saves payroll costs, and their employees learn valuable new skills. Mechatronics involves mechanics, electronics, computing, control engineering, and molecular engineering. In a second phase of this project, SCC is developing five additional classes, and partnering with Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College to bring this training to northeastern MN.