IMTC Is Technology Neutral

Written by Scott Sheely.

Lancaster: Recently, in response to inquiries by technology vendors, IMTC organizer Scott Sheely reiterated the position of the Center with regard to instructional technology and curriculum.

"In our work in mechatronics, we have purposely concentrated on the skill standards that have been articulated by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers' Institute and avoided any preference for a technology provider. We ask schools to align their curriculum (through whatever technology provider they choose) to the skill standards. Our only concern is that people learn the skills using the curriculum. I believe that the burden of proof is on (the) technology provider to prove to its school customers that (their) curriculum meets the skill standards that have been put forward by PMMI. 

Keith (Campbell) and I would enthusiastically work with (any technology provider and their) school customers as we have with other technology providers and schools to qualify their programs so that they can affiliate with the Industrial Maintenance Training Center of PA. Our review process costs $750 and requires the entity involved in the review to do a substantial self-study which is evaluated by Keith and further validated by the Mid-Atlantic Mechatronics Advisory Council. Programs can be approved partially or in their entirety."

Contact Scott Sheely at 717-735-0333 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further clarification if needed.

Nine Schools Qualify as IMTC-Approved Providers

Written by Scott Sheely.

awardsState College: On Thursday, August 18, 2011, the Industrial Maintenance Training Center of Pennsylvania (IMTC) recognized nine training programs around the Commonwealth for their ability to provide current and prospective manufacturing workers with the skills needed to qualify for the Advanced Manufacturing-Integrated Systems Technology (AMIST) certificate. AMIST addresses the needs of manufacturers for industrial maintenance workers who are expert troubleshooters who can diagnose and fix problems with complex automated manufacturing systems. The technology involved is sometimes referred to as "mechatronics".

Schools around the Commonwealth who were recognized at various levels include Reading Area Community College, Harrisburg Area Community College, North Montco Technical Center, Lancaster County Career and Technology Center, Community College of Allegheny County, Precision Manufacturing Institute, Bucks County Community College, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, and Bucks County Technical High School.

To qualify, programs completed an extensive self-assessment, which was followed by a site visit to assure that the curriculum that is being offered by the institution addresses the skill sets that have been identified by the IMTC and affirmed by a Competency Model approved by the US Department of Labor. The Packaging Machine Manufacturers' Institute, a national trade organization, is working with the Center to eventually develop a national credential for industrial maintenance and mechatronics technicians.

Continue Reading