Craig Caskey, director of Northwestern State University’s Advanced Manufacturing Program, spoke to Winnfield Rotarians on July 16 about the university’s Associate of Science degree in engineering technology with a concentration in advanced manufacturing.

Caskey, an instructor in NSU’s engineering technology program, said the new associate degree program is just getting started and has already met its initial enrollment goal of 10 students for the first semester.

The program was created in response to industry demand, as manufacturers and educators recognize the need for more skilled workers to replace a retiring workforce. It is designed to prepare students for careers in manufacturing in the shortest time possible.

In addition to automation, technical and technological skills, the curriculum emphasizes what were once called “soft skills,” now identified as essential. These include critical thinking, problem solving, preventive maintenance, continuous improvement strategies, job search skills and interpersonal communication. Students will also gain hands-on experience in NSU’s machine shop and manufacturing lab before entering the workforce.

Students will spend the first two semesters in the classroom. During the second semester, they will be matched with an industrial partner for paid, full-time summer training. They will then continue working three days a week for pay during the final two semesters. The program’s goal is to place graduates in permanent positions with participating manufacturers.

Companies already committed to the program include International Paper, Alliance Compressors, Boise Cascade, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, CLECO, RoyOMartin and Weyerhaeuser.