In response to local industry demand, PTC has expanded its mechatronics program, making a mechatronics technology certificate available on the Abbeville County Campus. With the addition of Abbeville, PTC now teaches mechatronics on four of its seven regional campuses, including full mechatronics degree programs at Greenwood, Newberry and the CAM in Laurens.
“Companies come to us looking for employees who are trained and ready to begin working,” said Charles Dixon, mechatronics technology program director. “While we offer the program in Greenwood, the companies in Abbeville are looking for a closer option.”
Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field involving control systems, electronic systems, computers and mechanical systems that integrates product design and automated manufacturing processes. Because industrial applications are becoming more complex, industries need technicians with skills that cross a variety of disciplines.
Dixon says if there is enough interest, PTC may expand its Abbeville offerings to include the associate degree program, which is currently offered at the Newberry County Campus, the Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Laurens and the Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood.
“Companies come to us looking for employees who are trained and ready to begin working.”
“We want to introduce them to what mechatronics is and give them the foundation necessary to meet the needs of industry in Abbeville County,” said Dixon. “The jobs are there, and we want to make sure the students we train are ready.”