I L L I N O I S E A S T E R N C O MM U N I T Y C O L L E G E S
March 2021
FCC Automotive Growth Frontier Community College’s Automotive Technology Program continues to grow with high-tech classrooms and a full automotive lab.
LTC Microcertificates
Lincoln Trail College is offering new microcertificates that can help businesses train employees in customer service and special events.
OCC Expands Welding
Olney Central College is expanding opportunities in its Welding Program with the addition of a new associate in applied science degree.
WVC Offers Unique Program Wabash Valley College’s Advanced Manufacturing program is the only program of its type in Southern Illinois.
Professional Development IECC colleges offer a wide array of professional development,
workforce education and certificate opportunities to enhance skill sets for all employees.
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Table of Contents
6 FCC Automotive Program Grows
14 OCC Expands Welding Program
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18 Unique Manufacturing Program at WVC
Contributors
Welcome
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LTC Offers Microcertificates
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Holden August - FCC Chris Forde - LTC Deanna Ratts - OCC Tyler Burr - WVC Kyle Peach - WVC Jeff Gumbel - IECC Jessica McDonald - IECC
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Evening Welding at OCC
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IECC Offers Training Opportunities
Where to Find Us
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Dr. Ryan Gower Chancellor
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FCC AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM GROWS
by Holden August
F rontier Community College's marketing slogan "Start here, go anywhere" is perfectly embodied by its Automotive Technology Department. Not only have the department and staff undergone tremendous and meaningful growth since the program's founding in 2003, but its students have also shown that FCC is the perfect launch site for a career no matter where your end goal may be. Assistant Professor and program founderRodneyMaxeyhasbeenwith the FCC Automotive department since its inception. In 2003, Maxey was hired by FCC after a career of teaching Automotive Technology. In 1996, Maxey started by training professionals at Moog Automotive in St. Louis, Missouri. After Moog, he transitioned to amore traditional teaching position at SIU, giving him experience in training not only professionals, but also bright-eyed newcomers to the exciting field of Automotive Technology. He stayed at this position until 2003, when the opportunity to start a new automotive program at Frontier Community College. This program was started from
scratch by Maxey and his team at FCC. Maxey says, "When I came to the college, the automotive area was just a section of the warehouse." Since then, the program and its building have grown to include multiple high- tech classrooms, a full Automotive Lab and has received the highest ASE accreditation, Master ASE. Not only is the program itself certified with Master ASE accreditation, but its two instructors are certified with the ranking as well. Though thrilled to have received this high level of regard, Maxey and the rest of the department are not content to stay still. The department has recently purchased a diesel simulator, which will allow the program to add a new, mandatory diesel performance class to its already impressive degree requirements. Along with the diesel simulator, the program recently acquired two new vehicles that Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana donated. Derek Wissel is responsible for starting the process that led to this generous donation. Wissel graduated from the FCC automotive program, after which he continued
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his education at SIU. From there, he began his journey with Toyota. Starting at a Toyota dealership, Wissel quickly rose through the ranks earning him a job at Toyota's manufacturing plant in Indiana. Wissel is now a line engineer with TMMI. Wissel still finds time to give back to the program that started his journey. Not only did Wissel assist with the vehicle donations, he also served on theAutomotive Technology Program’s advisory committee. This committee is dedicated to helping the department plan its next big improvements, ensuring that the program will remain the cutting edge program that Maxey had envisioned at the program's founding. A dedication to continued growth and bright futures is at the heart of all FCC programs, and the Automotive Department, its students, and faculty are perfect examples of this objective.
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LTC OFFERS TRAINING WITH MICROCERTIFICATES
by Chris Forde
L incoln Trail College is offering a new microcertificate that will help train people to better serve customers. The new Customer Service Management Program is available online and is open to LTC students and members of the community. Customer Service Management focuses on customer service theories, communication, problem-solving, and resolving complaints among other topics. The idea behind the certificate is to give students the skills they need to provide quality customer service. “One thing that we know is that recent data suggests that 87 percent of customers have actually left a business or left a company because they were unhappy with the service that they received,” says Dean of Instruction Brent Todd. “In addition, seven to 10 Americans say that they will actually spend more money with a company where they feel that they get an adequate amount of service.” Todd says the idea of the new Customer Service Management program is to give people a chance to learn how they can build better relationships with customers and better serve them.
Todd believes the program would be great for LTC students looking at a career in business or public service, but he also believes the new microcertificate program is a great opportunity for local businesses to enhance the skills of their employees. The Customer Service Management program will be available in a fully online format, making it easier for community members to take the classes. The certificate is six credit hours in length, and it can be completed in as little as one semester. Customer Service Management is the latest microcertificate to be offered by Lincoln Trail College. Special Events Management and Public Service Management launched in the Fall 2020 semester. Special EventsManagement will give people the knowledge and skills they need to plan, prepare, and host a special event. It will cover topics like project management and organization, marketing, design and décor, logistics, site selection, and budgeting. “At Lincoln Trail College, we strive for excellence,” says Todd. “I’m so excited to announce that with our Special Events Management certificate we are bringing in experts from Princeton University and
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the University of Illinois to deliver this program.” Public Service Management will give people the knowledge and skills to work in the public sector, including public boards and committees, administrative positions, working in the not-for-profit sector, and other civil service positions. It will cover topics like implementing policy, management of public funds, public policy processes, data tools, and strategies of managing meetings. Todd says he believes the certificate will be beneficial for people already serving in public service roles as well as people interested in pursuing public service. Todd says the online format will also make it easier for people in the community to take advantage of themicrocertificate programs. “We’ve designed our microcertificates to appeal to a wide array of students. Whether you are currently in our classroom and
you’re working toward another degree or you’re a community member interested in public service or special events, this program is for everyone.” There are no prereqisites for the microcertificates at LTC and anyone is eligible toenroll. All of themicrocertificates canbe completed inas littleas one semester. They are fully available online. Students wanting to enroll in one of the microcertficate programs can call Lincoln Trail College at 618-544-8657.
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OCC EXPANDS WELDING PROGRAM
by Deanna Ratts
O lney Central College is expanding opportunities in its Welding Program with the addition of a new associate in applied science degree. Created through a Title III Grant initiative, the associate degree focuses on fabrication, tube welding and the highly sought-after 6Gpipe welding certification. Students also work with alloy metals including stainless steel and aluminum, along with other more exotic metals.
“In the associate degree, students will become extremely proficient in welding pipe and all related processes,” said welding specialist Maverick Fisher. “The new degree is going to strengthen our program. With the added year of welding experience and the 6G Certification, our students will be prepared to work anywhere.” Classes begin this fall at the West Richland Center inNoble,whichhouses theprogram’s new state-of-the-art lab and classroom.
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The facility features 15 welding booths with Stick, Mig and Tig welding capabilities. Students also have access to aluminum spool guns, which provide a steady and reliable feed for soft aluminum wire. Other additions are an Ironworker punch press students will utilize in the fabrication class, two industrial-sized band saws and three high-speed pipe bevelers. “There is not a thing in here that isn’t brand new,” Fisher said. “This puts us among the elite welding schools. As far as a quality education, we’re as good as the top schools in the country including Hobart (Institute of Welding Technology).” During the second year, students will hone their fabrication skills working on pipe manifolds. Both day and evening courses are available. Graduates who received welding certificates at OCC or Lincoln Trail College
can earn their associate degrees by simply completing the second-year coursework. “Earning an associate degree can add to your existing skill set and open new career avenues,” Fisher added. “If you want to move into a more white-collar position such as welding inspector, instructor or even sales, an associate degree can greatly help.” Learn more about OCC’s Welding Program and the new associate degree at www.iecc.edu/occ/ welding. The Title III program is supported in part by a five-year grant awarded to Olney Central College from the U.S. Department of Education effective October 1, 2018. The estimated total cost for all project activities is $2,506,775 financed by the grant award of $2,249,968 (90%) and $256,807 (10%) by Olney Central College.
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OCC OFFERS EVENING WELDING CLASSES
O lney Central College is making it easier for students to earn aWelding and Cutting Certificate with the addition of evening classes. “This is such a great opportunity,” said welding specialist Maverick Fisher. “It’s a chance for high school seniors to get a jump on college. And, it’s especially helpful for someone who is working full-time and would like to pursue a career in welding, but can’t afford to give up their day job to come to college.” Students can complete the evening certificate in just three semesters, with
classes meeting at 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Michael Lane Harvey, of Fairfield, is among those taking advantage of the new cohort. “I’m currently working full time,” he said. “With the evening classes, I can continue to draw a paycheck while learning a skill that will better my future someday.” Harvey attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale last fall, and while he did well in his classes, the 19-year-old chose not to return.
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“I like working with my hands and building things,” he said. “I realized that is what I really want to do. My dad was a welder and I grew up around the trade. I always thought it was cool. Welding is a great trade. It is a skill they can never take from you and it is always going to be needed.” Harvey is already exploring possible career options including nuclear component construction and pipeline work. He plans to increase his marketability by completing OCC’s new associate's degree in Welding and Fabrication, which also includes an evening cohort. “The nice thing about welding — it’s a skill you can take and apply anywhere in the world,” he added.
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UNIQUE MANUFACTURING PROGRAM AT WVC W abash Valley College’s Advanced Manufacturing program is the only program of its type in by Tyler Burr
Southern Illinois, training students on a variety of equipment and providing a well- rounded education and widely applicable experience. “We have the most advanced labs in the district. We run the latest 3D design software, have 3D printing capabilities, have CNC equipment from four different manufacturers, twodifferent CAMpackages and we train on robotics tech from Fanuc, the U.S. market leader in manufacturing robotics,” said Advanced Manufacturing Professor Jay Carter. Since most high schools have done away with shop programs, many students arrive with little to no experience with metal working or other manufacturing-related disciplines, and Carter is prepared to train students from square one. In order to help address the need for education in trades, WVC has a dual credit program focused on an Accelerated Advanced Manufacturing Program. “AAMP has Mount Carmel High School students taking some dual credit with their high school teacher and then coming here for two hours daily in their junior and senior years,” said Carter. “This can knock out a full year of requirements after they graduate high school if they take everything offered in their high school time.”
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After graduating high school, dual credit students become full-time Warriors at WVC. Carter explained that students come toWVC’s AdvancedManufacturing program because they are looking to make a living in a job with high levels of precision and personal satisfaction, one in which they get to work with their hands and aren’t stuck behind a desk. Carter’s students learn to operate a variety of machining equipment, basic industrial electricity, PLC programming, blueprint reading, CAD and precision measurement. They also receive training in lean manufacturing and quality. However, WVC students don’t just learn the hard skills they need to be successful in manufacturing. Carter’s students also learn soft skills: communication, critical thinking, leadership, work ethic, teamwork and trainability. “We are giving students marketable skills
in a time when manufacturing is on the incline and in need of more people,” said Carter. “Manufacturing is coming back to the States, and every graduate of this program has a job if they want one.” Graduates of WVC’s Advanced Manufacturing program go on to rewarding careers in some of the best paying jobs in the area. Some places our grads are currently employed: B&G Machine, Champ Labs, Leadec Services (Toyota Sub-contractor), Toyota (skilled trades), Toyota-Boshoku, Flying-S Machine, Gordy’s Machine and Tool, Magnum Steel, Elastec, Berry Plastics, B&D Independence, CBRE (commercial/ industrial maintenance services) and NAL.
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IECC OFFERS TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES by Jessica McDonald S asha is enrolled in a class to increase her proficiency in Microsoft Office. Darrell’s variety of courses that can build vital skills for employees in many fields. From computer applications to business and HR courses, we love to work with students to bring their skill level up on the job!” Continuing education for
company is expanding, and he is preparing to take on the new role of social media management. Dylan needs to learn more about food safety and sanitation for his new job. Allyah is finishing a certificate in customer service management so she can apply for a promotion. Many people think that college education ends whenever they receive the degree. However, evolving technology, changing customer needs, and growing diversity are just a few of the ways organizations and employees are constantly adapting. At IECC, learning continues far beyond the college walls. IECC colleges offer a wide array of professional development, workforce education, and certificate opportunities to enhance skill sets for all employees. Amie Mayhall is a lead instructor in several classes that help employees develop proficiency and skillfulness: “We offer a wide
individuals helps withmany aspects of life such as career transitions, promotions, improving lifestyles, or developing tomeet personal growth goals. Alan, a former student at an IECC college, found himself in a difficult situation; he loved his job, but it was taking a toll on his body. “I decided that I wanted to stay in my field, but I needed to sharpen up on a few things before I stepped out of my daily grind and into a new role.” Alan chose to enroll in several courses that would allow him to refresh and develop new skills to move forward in his organization. To take expand on knowledge in specific areas, IECC certificates and micro certificates are great avenues to pursue topics like entrepreneurship, small business development, philanthropy,
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special events management, MS Office Specialist, Quickbooks, office administration, office assistant, sales, social media management, and more. IECC also partners with companies and organizations to do in-house trainings and workshops. The workforce education program provides industrial training for business and industry throughout the United States and Canada. Many of these classes are provided at the industrial sites and are customized to meet specific business
needs in areas such as blueprint reading, OSHA certification, and continuous quality improvement. Approximately 15,000 employees are trained yearly through IECC. “Continuing education in the workforce is critical. It helps companies and employees keep up with technology and advancements in the field, can help further your position in the company by building on a knowledge base you already have, and adds to your overall job experience,” says Jason Shryock, industrial maintenance adjunct instructor. With the goal of expanding professional development and workforce offerings, IECC colleges are here to help businesses and employees get the training and education to thrive in an increasingly specialized world.
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Frontier Community College • 2 Frontier Drive, Fairfield, IL • 618-842-3711
Lincoln Trail College • 11220 State Highway 1, Robinson, IL • 618-544-8657
Olney Central College • 305 North West Street, Olney, IL • 618-395-7777
Wabash Valley College • 2200 College Drive, Mt. Carmel, IL • 618-262-8641
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How can IECC help you? Connect with us today and tell us how we can help your company and employees grow. iecc.edu
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