Looking into the future, Lanier Technical College’s newest academic program prepares students for prosperous career opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation.
The AI and Automation Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) program was designed in coordination with the Georgia AI Manufacturing (AIM) Grant. The grant, funded by the State of Georgia, aims to establish a competitive pipeline of skilled workers who are confident and competent in working alongside AI systems in a manufacturing setting.
Lanier Tech is one of five Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institutions that were chosen to oversee GA AIM’s Project 2A, whose goal is to create “rural innovation incubators.” These innovation incubators provide rural areas with access to technical skills training in the rapidly-growing field of AI.
The program at Lanier Tech consists of four individual TCCs that provide graduates with a working knowledge of AI and the manufacturing systems it controls. The individual TCCs are as follows: Artificial Intelligence & Automation, Industrial Wiring, Programmable Control Technician I and Industrial Motor Control Technician. Additionally, this program caters its courses to the application of (AI) and automation in “remote plant operations studios” that simulate the automation of poultry and food processing.
By gaining a working knowledge of each system, graduates will be able to assemble, disassemble, diagnose and troubleshoot AI manufacturing systems. These skills are highly sought after by industries seeking to upgrade their manufacturing processes with AI or maintain the systems they currently have.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the occupational outlook forecasts above-average growth for careers that require skills from this program. Average annual salaries for these positions range between $48,000 to $73,000.
Industrial Systems Technology & Mechatronics Technology Program Director, Chad Faircloth, can attest to the benefits of having this advanced manufacturing program housed at Lanier Tech,
“The GA AIM grant is beneficial to our students and service area due to the advanced technology and processes we use to teach our students. AI is becoming increasingly prominent in nearly every aspect of our lives. It is great that students now have the opportunity to take their resume to the next level and unlock the power of AI!”
Lanier Tech President Tim McDonald remarks on the prosperity created by this program,
“The college was very fortunate to be included in the GA AIM Grant, which has brought multiple benefits to the college and community. By integrating this new technology, the college has strengthened its partnerships with local food processors and manufacturers. It has also enhanced our collaborative relationships with our sister technical colleges and broadened the scope of training for our Mechatronics program.
As Artificial Intelligence becomes more prevalent in manufacturing, our graduates must receive training to adapt to the new technology. AI is a tool and needs to be calibrated to ensure accuracy and reliability. We teach our students how to use and calibrate the required tools for a properly functioning AI Automation system.
Lanier Tech’s Automation Lab, developed through the GA AIM Grant, has become a focal point for high school tours. The college’s outreach and awareness program, which focuses on elementary and middle school-aged students, is often the first time they encounter AI in a real-world manufacturing setting. This brief introduction to AI and automation ensures the next generation of high school graduates are aware of the available opportunities at their local TCSG institution.”