Clark State Community College will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1 p.m., Friday, October 30 to officially welcome students to the newly renovated Advanced Manufacturing laboratory and classrooms. The ceremony will be held at Shull Hall on the Springfield campus.

Clark State offers a series of Advanced Manufacturing certificates via a Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Program Grant from the United States Department of Labor. The $2.5 million competitive grant focuses on five areas of advanced manufacturing: industrial maintenance, CNC operations, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), additive manufacturing and welding.

The TAACCCT grant made it possible for Clark State to install new state-of-the-art equipment for the advanced manufacturing laboratory including a virtual welder, CNC machines and 3D printers. Additional funds from the grant will be used for curriculum and subject matter experts.

Aimee Belanger-Haas, Clark State dean of business and applied technologies, said there are currently 38 students enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing program. During Fall Semester A term, students enrolled in the foundation course. At the beginning of Fall Semester B term, students will select a specialty. “The students are really excited to try the new equipment,” said Belanger-Haas.

Advanced Manufacturing certificates can be earned in two semesters. Belanger-Haas said advanced manufacturing jobs are in high demand. “It’s two semesters, and you can get a great paying job,” said Belanger-Haas. “Welding also is a huge field right now where they need trained, skilled technicians.” Students can apply the certificate courses to the Manufacturing Engineering Technology associate degree.

Ohio Senator Chris Widener and Representative Kyle Koehler will speak at the ceremony.