Gulf Coast State College Mobile Laboratory Training Kit offers a Flexible, Cost-effective Alternative to Standard Training Methods
In an effort to meet the computer automation and robotics technology training needs of manufacturing employees nationwide, Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) is offering the Mobile Laboratory Training Kit, a flexible, cost-effective alternative to standard training methods. Kim Allan, project coordinator for the technology division at GCSC says with the mobile kit “there’s no need to send employees out of town for training because the Mobile Laboratory Training Kit comes to you.” Each kit contains everything needed for a unique blend of hands-on training utilizing an online course delivery method. It can be shipped directly to a workplace, providing state-of-the-art training for up to 15 of your employees. The kit remains at the office for up to 16 weeks and is easy to use. Simply open the kit, set up the laptop computer, connect to the internet and you’re in a college class!
In addition to its portability, the mobile laboratory training kits are also part of the Computer Integrated Manufacturing certificate and A.A.S. degrees offered at GCSC. “We also offer the courses associated with this program for non-credit through our continuing education department for those wishing to advance their knowledge or not needing the entire program” Allan said. The trainer kits are utilized in our open lab hours here at the college when they are not in use by employers.
The mobile laboratory trainer kits were designed to offer more accessibility to training for incumbent workers in the manufacturing industry who find it difficult to attend the traditional face-to-face courses due to working swing shifts or other complications. Employees can opt to take each course for non-credit training or for college credits leading to a certificate or A.A.S. degree. The mobile laboratory kits have been in use for almost a year, and have been used by approximately 58 individuals using different trainer kits.
This program can also be customized to meet your specific training needs. These cost-effective, onsite hands-on training kits are available in the following areas: Programmable Logic Controls, Motor and Motion Controls, Hydraulics & Pneumatics Controls, Process Controls & Instrumentation, Industrial Networking and Industrial Robotics.
For more information, to learn more details on the courses available visit www.gulfcoast.edu/technology/cim_tutorial, or contact Dean Eavey at 850/769-1551 ext. 4868.
Article contribution by Kim S. Allan, technology division project coordinator at GCSC