HOUSTON (Sept. 7, 2016) — Lone Star College-University Park has a new, fast-track program in mechatronics that is specifically designed to meet Houston’s growing need for highly trained, technical workers in the manufacturing sector.

The 12-week, pre-apprentice program begins Monday, Sept. 12, at the Energy & Manufacturing Institute at the College and funding is available for qualified students. Courses run Monday through Thursday, and students complete nine classes to earn the certificate.

“Our labor market research and meetings with companies moving into north and northwest Houston show a growing need for a pool of employees who are ready to work in a variety of manufacturing positions,” said LSC-University Park President Shah Ardalan.

Linda L. Head, LSC associate vice chancellor of workforce and corporate partnerships, oversees workforce programs at all LSC locations. “This new mechatronics certificate program provides the core skills needed for a multitude of jobs in these companies including technicians in engineering, production manufacturing, maintenance, facilities, quality and testing and more,” said Head.

Ardalan said the new certificate program is another example of how LSC-University Park and its Energy & Manufacturing Institute focus on serving as the community’s college. “It’s critical that we meet the needs of local, state, national and global manufacturing companies in our community. They need entry-level workers, and our fast-track certificate programs help them train and recruit highly qualified workers.”

Mechatronics combines aspects of technology, electronics and mechanical engineering that form the backbone of today’s manufacturing facilities. Those who are training in this area are highly sought after by key manufacturing companies.

Head said that the new certificate is a foundation for a variety of careers. Lone Star College also offers additional training options as workers move forward in their careers.

For more information on enrolling in the program, call LSC-University Park at 281-290-2600 or email Tina Dealy, director of continuing education workforce trades, at Tina.Dealy@LoneStar.edu.

LSC-University Park is the sixth LSC College, located in the former Compaq Computer’s world headquarters complex. The 71-acre college houses a University Center with two university partners – University of Houston-Downtown and University of Houston. It is also home to a Law Enforcement Academy, the Energy and Manufacturing Institute, iSchoolHigh, a charter high school; several business partners and Lone Star Corporate College. Under its first President, Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Park has been recognized nationally as a model for the innovative college of the 21st century. The college is located at the corner of State Highway 249 and Louetta Road. For more information about LSC-University Park, call 281.290.2600 or visit LoneStar.edu/UP.

Known for its leadership, innovation and steadfast commitment to student success, Lone Star College provides high-quality academic transfer and workforce education / career training programs to more than 83,000 credit students each semester, and a total enrollment of 95,000 students. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to promote student success and economic prosperity. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., is the chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, which consists of six colleges, eight centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.