L-R Wiregrass Associate Vice President of Program Development Joe Sumner, Mechatronics and Engineering Instructor Joshua Whittington, President Dr. Tina K. Anderson, MC Electrical Services, Inc. Superintendent James Rankhorn, Wiregrass Area Director for Academic Affairs Drew Vickers, and Dean for Academic Affairs Michael Williams.
Valdosta, GA – The Industrial Systems Technology programs on the Valdosta and Coffee Campuses received equipment donations from MC Electrical Services, Inc. valued around $7,500 for both campuses. The equipment generously donated was 5 Schneider Electric Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Altivar 71 units. The equipment has many uses in relation to the field of Industrial Systems. Some of the ways the instructors will be able to utilize it in the classroom include: helping students use the drives to understand industrial motor controls, draw a wiring diagram to show the electrical connection of the VFD, and learn how to size the wire and conduit needed for proper installation of the VFD.
The Industrial Systems Technology program prepares students for a career to work in several areas of industrial maintenance including: electronics, industrial wiring, motors, controls, instrumentation, fluid power, mechanical, pumps and piping, and computers. The program boasts a job placement rate of 100% with many graduates working locally. Wiregrass currently has Industrial Systems Technology students in apprenticeship programs at Ace Electric, Inc. of Valdosta, and Optima Chemical and Premium Waters in Douglas.
The Industrial Systems Technology program, along with certificate programs in this field, qualifies for the HOPE Career Grant. If a student qualifies for this grant, they could possibly have all of their college tuition and books paid for leaving them graduating with little or no college debt. The program will be accepting new students for Spring Semester; classes start January 8, 2020. Students can apply during the college’s Free Application Week, November 4-8 and have their application fee waived when they apply in person.
L-R: Wiregrass Industrial Systems Technology Instructor Phillip Taylor, and MC Electrical Services, Inc. Superintendent James Rankhorn.
To learn more about all of Wiregrass’ programs, visit wiregrass.edu. If your business would like to learn how you could make a donation to any Wiregrass program please contact Crissy Staley, Executive Director of Fundraising, at 229-333-2124, or by email at Crissy.staley@wiregrass.edu.
