January 2015 Board Report

In a move to address the shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing, Illinois Valley Community College trustees Thursday approved a new degree in engineering technology. The degree was developed with input from eight technical program advisory groups.

“This degree will prepare students for entry-level employment in technologically advanced production jobs in all sectors of manufacturing and provide skills in one of nine specialized fields,” said Sue Isermann, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Workforce Development.

Graduates will also gain enhanced employability by earning two nationally portable, industry-recognized credentials: ANSI-accredited Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) certification as a Certified Production Technician and OSHA 10-Hour General Industry.

The degree was developed as a result of IVCC’s most recent National Science Foundation grant and the current Department of Labor iNAM grant. Isermann and Director of Continuing Education Jamie Gahm and electronics program coordinator Jim Gibson worked with members of eight program advisory committees to develop the ‘stackable’ credential.

The degree features iNAM’s “Earn as You Learn” model. In the one semester CPT program, students learn basic skills required for entry-level production manufacturing. 

They then obtain employment, possibly with one of the 15 endorsers of the CPT, and advance their career by completing a related certificate in either wind energy, computer numerical control (CNC), industrial maintenance, industrial electrician, welding production, machinist and tool and die making, architectural/civil CAD, mechanical/electronic CAD computer aided drafting, or HVAC.

Current nationwide shortages of as many as 600,000 skilled workers are being reported by manufacturers and leading manufacturing industry groups, Isermann said. Even larger looming shortages are predicted due to pending retirements.

In other business, the board approved:

  • IVCC President Jerry Corcoran said IVCC is awaiting CDB authorization to proceed with Phase 3 construction of a student center, cyber café and other enhancements. Work is expected to begin next month for completion before the spring 2016 semester.
  • Extension of a lease with CIT Group Leasing at $3,856 per month for two Volvo tractors and the lease of two Hyundai trailers from PAL at $520 per month for the truck driver training program.
  • Entering a “quality-based selection” process for an architectural firm. Basalay, Cary and Alstadt will remain IVCC’s architect for all currently approved PHS projects and Phase 3. “I think it’s a good idea to occasionally seek proposals for professional services,” said Corcoran.
  • Purchasing consulting services for $53,500 from the Burwood Group for cell phone DAS (distributed antenna system) vendor selection and upgrading the Wi-Fi network infrastructure. With complete Wi-Fi coverage only in the CTC, Burwood’s recommendations will lead to coverage in all buildings.
  • Elimination of co-coordinator positions in disability services in favor of a full-time coordinator. In the office restructuring, co-coordinators Tina Hardy and Judy Mika will be honorably dismissed upon the hiring of the coordinator by mid-March. The office will also be staffed by a part-time administrative assistant. “A full-time coordinator will bring efficiency to the office and flexibility to manage all operations on main campus and at Ottawa Center,” said Corcoran.
  • Honorably dismissed instructor Charles Kwiatkowski effective May 16 due to insufficient enrollments in computer programming and computer networking.

The board also learned:

  • A total of 17 students registered for classes at “Express Registration” Jan. 6. “When you couple that with the same event in Ottawa Dec. 4, a total of 72 students were served and almost 500 credit hours generated through Express Registration,” said Corcoran.
  • A five-year Small Business Development Center performance and economic impact report distributed to the board revealed 111 jobs created and 50 retained, 28 business start-ups, four business expansions and 39 “documented success stories.” The SBDC has also counseled 427 clients, conducted 66 training seminars, honored 160 individuals through its 40 Under 40 event and established the annual Breakfast of Champions awards ceremony.