A FANUC (Fuji Automatic Numerical Control): Aligning Skills for Industry & Education event on December 12, 2023, served as a platform for leaders across the state of Mississippi to come together and collaborate on strategies for bolstering the state's advanced manufacturing workforce. Participants had the opportunity to tour the training facilities at East Mississippi Community College's (EMCC) Communiversity, including new labs that provide students access to equipment used at advanced manufacturing locations, The collaboration with EMCC is a part of two MSU-led initiatives: AiM UP (Advancements in Manufacturing Upskilling Program) and the Mississippi Advanced Composites Institute Training Center (MAC). MSU's CAVS-Extension, as one of the MSU entities collaborating with EMCC, is helping to develop new training programs for the AiM UP program. FANUC, a major manufacturer specializing in industrial robots, took the lead in hosting the event, reflecting their commitment to advancing and supporting the growth of Mississippi's workforce in the field of advanced manufacturing. Through MSU-led initiatives under the AiM UP grant funded by the Department of Labor, Department of Defense, and AccelerateMS, partners aim to fortify Mississippi's industrial foundation by establishing training hubs in community colleges statewide. This initiative also provides post-secondary students with access to advanced manufacturing equipment and the training needed to excel in manufacturing environments equipped with smart and autonomous technology. Industry representatives from prominent industry players such as PACCAR Engine Company and Nissan North America provided information on their collaborative efforts with K-12 schools and community colleges and how they actively engage with educational institutions to ensure that students enrolled in career and technical programs receive education that is not only comprehensive, but also highly relevant to current industry needs. The panel provided information on how local industry is staying ahead of recruiting and training through partnerships.
For more information on the AiM Up collaboration at EMCC's Communiversity, visit https://www.eastms.edu/news/2024/communiversity-developing-partnerships-2024.html and for more information on the programs and services of CAVS-Extension, visit cavse.msstate.edu.
