WTH: VU to offer electronics courses at WestGate Technology Park
July 18, 2017
via Washington Times Herald CRANE - Vincennes University and the WestGate@Crane Technology Park are enrolling students for a new Electronics Fundamentals Certificate program. Designed to meet the needs of local employers, classes begin Aug. 21 at the Battery Innovation Center. The program is offered through a partnership between VU and WestGate along with Daviess, Greene, Martin and Lawrence counties. According to Ben Wrightsman, BIC chief operations officer, recruiting local, qualified technical workers who can perform well in their advanced manufacturing setting has proven to be a struggle, but that is quickly changing. “By offering a program such as this, we are seeing the results of growing the much-needed talent locally,” said Wrightsman. “Our most recent hire, Jonathan Pace, is attending the courses while working full-time at the BIC, and we’re already seeing the fruits of his training with improved capabilities and understanding.” “Now that I’m halfway through the Electronics Fundamentals Certificate program, I can see major benefits in not just the classes, but being able to apply the skills in my position at the BIC as I learn them,” said Pace. VU’s Electronics Fundamentals Certificate program will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to all areas of electronics (AC/DC, digital circuits, and linear electronics) and hands-on use of multi-meters, oscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies, and soldering techniques in the lab. No previous experience in electronics is required to enroll. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for registration (except current high school students), and students without previous college credit may be required to complete placement testing. All tools and parts are provided and grant funding may be available for eligible students. To obtain more information or to initiate the registration/placement process, interested persons should contact Evan Sievers, 812-888-5048, esievers@vinu.edu, or Martha Vance, 812-888-5284, mvance@vinu.edu.