Napoleon, Ohio – Automatic Feed Company officials have announced the establishment of the Northwest Ohio Learning Center for Manufacturing Sciences, located within Automatic Feed’s headquarters. The facility will serve as the technology learning center for a new partnership formed between Automatic Feed, Northwest State Community College and Napoleon Area schools in order to promote manufacturing in the area.
Automatic Feed combined several offices into one large classroom with an attached office for the teacher in order to create the learning space. It then invested in all new furniture, carpeting and electronic equipment, such as a Smart Board and overhead projection system, to prepare the classroom for use.
“It’s well-known that we are facing a skills-shortage in manufacturing and many of the high schools no longer provide technical education,” says Peter Beck. “So, when this opportunity surfaced, we were happy to invest in this facility and provide students the opportunity to experience the world of modern manufacturing and its various career avenues.”
The facility opened in late August, coinciding with the 2014-15 school year. Curriculum for the program is a combination of classroom and hands-on training and includes the following: introduction to engineering technologies, print reading, manufacturing processes, and industrial computing. Additionally, there may be some education provided in administrative functions such as human resources and accounting.
High school students seeking college credit from a two-year college will attend up to two hours each day. Classes are offered Monday through Thursday with a lab day every Friday. Students will receive credit toward graduation as well as 11 to 12 community college credits. The initial incoming class of 13 high school students will be given the opportunity to formally name the program.
“The technical college courses offered at Automatic Feed Company are a result of the Henry County economic, manufacturing and K-12 stakeholders working together,” states Jim Drewes, director of workforce development at Northwest State Community College. “The career opportunities in the manufacturing sector are immense and the students need to be educated in the variety of technical positions available from local companies.”
Ryan Wilde, Napoleon High School principal, adds, “Being in a position to offer unique educational experiences to our students is always a consideration when developing new curriculum offerings. This partnership of industry and academia allows us to not only make students college ready, but career ready as well. Napoleon High School is always willing and happy to be in such a position to work and invest in our community.”
Beck encourages other companies in the area to contact Automatic Feed at 419.592.0050 beckp@automaticfeed.com to learn more about what is being accomplished through this program.
Source: Automatic Feed