Everyone from high school students to veteran mechanics will benefit from Columbus Technical College's new Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence. The state-of-the-art facility is part of a $3 million grant, awarded to the Governor's Office of Workforce Development, about $1.3 million of that will to toward Columbus Tech. The Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence will help those in the manufacturing industry strengthen their skills.
“Today's manufacturing is so different than it used to be. And people don't always understand the nature of modern technology and manufacturing. And so what we're looking forward to doing is to create an opportunity for further economic development as a result of having a skilled labor pool,” Said Columbus Tech. president, Bob Jones.
Jones expects the facility to attract more students to Columbus Tech. The Center of Excellence is equipped with the latest in full-scale manufacturing equipment. Training equipment includes simulation software and robotics, as well as 3-D working models. Jones also hopes the building will help get middle school and high school students excited about careers in manufacturing.