Two-year college and university collaboration in creating advanced manufacturing curricula and programs

Abstract

As colleges and universities work to align training and degree programs with the needs of highgrowth industries, students will benefit from clearly articulated and cost-effective pathways in both two-year colleges and four-year universities for a baccalaureate degree. These pathways, often modeled on established formulas, must include and emphasize competencies most valued by industry throughout the entire curriculum. The valued competencies must encompass both hard and soft skills which have been identified as necessary for success in industry. This paper details the beginning efforts of a multi-year project between a two-year college (Rowan College at Burlington County) and a four-year university (Rowan University) to create curriculum, academic programs, and career pathways resulting in meaningful employment in the Advanced Manufacturing sector. Among the Advanced Manufacturing disciplines to be considered are machining, rapid prototyping, specialty welding, and lean manufacturing. Facilities focused on training students, incumbent workers, and unemployed persons in transition for these specific disciplines will also be considered. The desired competencies will be identified through close collaboration with industry partners as well as the College Workforce Development Institute and will be integrated in a comprehensive manner throughout the entire curriculum. Real-life examples of the underlying principles will include an applications library. The goals of this project include identifying technical and non-technical skills needed across the curriculum, developing a real-life applications library as a resource for faculty, and creating and strengthening continuous career pathways between secondary schools, higher education institutions, and industry partners. Through these collaborative efforts, associate and bachelor degrees and stackable certificate programs will be created, supported by an Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility designed with input from industry leaders and educators.