This summer, Mrs. Malone had the opportunity to attend Central Community College's Mechatronics Training in Columbus, Nebraska. Over two intensive weeks, she completed 64 hours of professional development—32 hours in Concepts of Electronics and 32 hours in Introduction to Instrumentation.
The training, led by Andrew Dunn and the outstanding team at Central Community College, packed two semesters of college-level material into just two weeks! We spent countless hours working hands-on with industrial instrumentation panels, PLCs, electrical systems, and automation equipment. It was an incredible learning experience that has her excited to bring this knowledge back to Hi-Plains.
🏭 What does this mean for our students?
This year, Hi-Plains will be launching our new Mechatronics Program in partnership with Morgan Community College. Students will have the opportunity to study:
🔹 AC/DC Fundamentals
🔹 Electronics
🔹 Instrumentation
🔹 PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Systems
🔹 Automation & Industrial Controls
🔹 Sensors, Valves, Pneumatics & Hydraulics
🔹 CNC Manufacturing Fundamentals
Students who complete the two-year sequence may even earn a Mechatronics Certificate through Morgan Community College.
Mechatronics is one of the fastest-growing technical fields because it combines mechanics, electronics, computers, and automation. The skills students develop can lead to careers in:
✅ Advanced Manufacturing
✅ Agriculture
✅ Welding
✅ Industrial Maintenance
✅ Robotics & Automation
✅ Electronics
✅ CNC Machining
✅ Engineering Technology
...and many more!
This opportunity is possible through Project BUMP (Building Robust Mechatronics Pathways), an initiative funded by the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education Grant and led by Central Community College. The project is helping rural schools like Hi-Plains provide students with access to industry-level equipment, hands-on learning, and college-level instruction.
We're excited to bring these state-of-the-art trainers into our classroom and provide students with real-world experiences that prepare them for high-demand technical careers.
📅 Stop by at the beginning of the school year to see our Mechatronics lab in action! You'll get a chance to see the training equipment, learn about the program, and discover what students will be building during their first year.
The future is automated—and it starts right here at Hi-Plains! 🔧⚡🤖
