Republican-Eagle Top 10 Stories of 2020: Mechatronics program will meet local business needs

by Steve Gardiner, December 31, 2020

The RiverTown newsroom looked back on 2020 to compile lists of the most important news and sports stories covered by the Star-Observer and Republican Eagle. Check back to Top 10 Stories of 2020 over the next few days to see what made the cut. 

When Minnesota State College Southeast conducted a survey of 21 area companies, they learned there is a strong need for training new workers in mechatronics.

On the survey, companies "projected 98 new hires in the next three years," said Katie Hardyman, director of business relations at MSCSE, "and 81% of new hires will need some sort of mechatronics training." ...

Supported by a $400,000 Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership grant, the Red Wing campus will collaborate with seven industry partners to bring mechatronics training to the area. "The businesses involved in the grant are committed to participating in the design and development of the curriculum as well as enrolling their employees in the training," according to Hardyman. "What's unique about our program is that we have a seven-company cohort. That does not normally happen. Usually it is one company and the college that apply for a grant." 

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