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CHAMPION -- The Trumbull Career and Technical Center has received a $2.5 million Ohio Career Technical Education equipment grant to be used for equipment for a new industrial technology program starting in the fall.
Superintendent Jason Gray said Monday he was pleased when the center received word of the large grant which was the maximum the center could receive.
The funds will not only be used for industrial technology equipment, such as automation and robotic training units, but it will also go toward building a new space for the new program in the 2024-25 school year.
Paula Baco, high school director at TCTC, said plans are to begin purchasing and ordering equipment immediately.
"We have students already enrolled in the program," she said.
NEW PROGRAM
Baco said the new program will train students for careers related to 56 different occupations on the Ohio Top Jobs List. It will offer courses on manufacturing operations, computer-integrated manufacturing, manufacturing principles, industrial robotics, industrial maintenance and hydraulics and pneumatics.
Students in the program will have the opportunity to earn 22 industry-recognized credentials.
Gray said the need for this program has been identified through planning discussions with students, local businesses and the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition.
Officials said incoming students will receive experience in electrical, mechanical, fluid power and automation.
Baco said by partnering with local businesses, the Industrial Technology program will emphasize an understanding of advanced manufacturing processes and troubleshooting.
TCTC will include equipment and coursework relevant to electric vehicles to expand the program with a second teacher in year two.
"MVMC and our many partners agree that this program will fill a need in the local industry," Baco said. "Rather than focusing on one aspect of advanced manufacturing, we will provide students with a solid foundation in the manufacturing process in their junior year and the ability to choose a focus in machining / programming, automation / robotics, or maintenance for their senior year," Baco said.
She said TCTC's waiting list has quadrupled over the last three years; from 47 in 2021-22, to 116 in 2022-23 and 226 students in 2023-24.
Expanded programming remains as a primary focus for the school.
Baco said along with the Industrial Technology program, TCTC will launch two other programs next school year including an Aviation and Drone Technology program and a Digital Marketing and Management program.
The Aviation and Drone Technology program is launching in collaboration with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center and a federal grant that was awarded to the ESC, officials said.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com