Lanier Technical College has launched an academic program aimed at preparing students for careers in Artificial Intelligence and Automation.
The college’s AI and Automation Technical Certificate of Credit was designed in partnership with the Georgia AI Manufacturing (AIM) Grant, funded by the State of Georgia and facilitated through Georgia Tech.
The school is one of five in the state’s Technical College System that were chosen to oversee a project through the grant, which provides rural areas with technical training in the field.
Lanier Tech received $1.6 million in funding from AIM, allowing the school to develop an Automation Lab to facilitate the program.
“This grant was to prepare a training program for manufacturing, specifically food production. manufacturing,” LTC President Tim McDonald said. “Northeast Georgia is a hub of food production, and we know about the poultry processing industry, but there's many other food related industries in Northeast Georgia. Our focus is to bring instruction on the use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing.”
McDonald explained that as the industry grows in Northeast Georgia, employers seek those who possess skills addressed by the program. He said the college aims to create a workforce that is prepared to adapt as it changes.
“Two of the most prominent ways that AI is being used in manufacturing today is with the collection and analysis of data,” McDonald explained. “... The other use (is) of vision to check placement of parts (and) characteristics of parts”
The expansion of the Automation Lab will integrate the vision and data components to the curriculum.
Through the LTC program, students can receive four individual certificates of credits related to the industry. The credits include: Artificial Intelligence & Automation, Industrial Wiring, Programmable Control Technician I and Industrial Motor Control Technician. After completing the certificate, students will be able to assemble, disassemble, diagnose and troubleshoot AI manufacturing systems.
Classes have already begun to obtain the certificates. McDonald estimated 120 students are currently enrolled. He said despite the new certificates, many of its classes within the pathway were previously offered by the school.
LTC cites that the U.S. Department of Labor forecasts above-average growth for fields that require the skillset taught through the program. Professions such as Industrial Engineering Technologist , Electronic/Electrical Engineering Technologist and Calibration and Engineering Technologist are projected to see 3 to 6% increases. Meanwhile, the Industrial Maintenance Technician field is expected to see a 15% growth. Starting salaries for these careers range between $48,000 to $73,000, according to LTC.
“This is a growing field, and we very much believe that every person is gifted with a talent, they could be good at doing something,” McDonald said. “ We see this field as wide open for those who like to diagnose, troubleshoot, problem solve, work with their hands, repair parts, and even some programming aspects.”
