MADISON, FL. (WTXL) - Close to 200 people turned out for North Florida Community College's Automation and Production Technology Open House and Employer Forum on September 25th, at the NFCC Career and Technical Education Center.
The event began with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce and welcome by NFCC President John Grosskopf who applauded the program's administrators, faculty and staff as phenomenal assets to the College.
"Please take a moment to get to know them, be inspired by them, and know that you could not have picked a better place to trust with your educational training needs," said Grosskopf as he welcomed guests.
With classes set to begin in January, the event offered tours, equipment demonstrations and enrollment information throughout the day to visitors and potential students. The program's 3D printing and robotic systems technologies drew much attention. The program will teach the latest in advanced manufacturing equipment and technology through hands on practical experience including specialized training with FANUC ® robotic systems technology, Stratasys® 3D printing systems, hydraulic systems, electronics, pneumatic systems and CAD using SolidWorks® software.
"We want to make sure the people that leave this program are employable," said David Dunkle, Director of Economic Development, Workforce and Career Education at NFCC.
The Georgia Pacific Foley Cellulose plant in Perry donated $900 to benefit a student scholarship that was awarded at the open house. Foley Cellulose Public Affairs Manager Scott Mixon attended to present the scholarship.
"Our donation to North Florida Community College is right in line with our focus on education," said Mixon.
The NFCC Foundation also awarded two student scholarships to the program. Other industries and partnerships recognized at the open house included CareerSource North Florida, Chemring Ordnance, Nestle Waters, Snyder's-Lance and Technical Training Aids.
The NFCC Automation and Production Technology program will begin classes Jan. 7.
For more information, contact Daisy Garcia, NFCC XCEL-IT Coordinator, at (850) 973-9442 or garciad@nfcc.edu.
