Dallas, Texas -- Furthering the goal of preparing graduates for “new collar” jobs, Dallas College is participating in a hands-on Amazon-registered apprenticeship program designed to offer enrollees from across the nation the opportunity to learn mechatronics technology while giving them a leg up on the latest equipment and processes that will fuel the future economy.
After completing Amazon’s Mechatronics and Robotics Apprenticeship Program, Dallas College will also offer a pathway for students eager to pursue a degree in advanced manufacturing and mechatronics technology. Apprentices have the opportunity to earn an associate degree in Advanced Manufacturing/Mechatronics Technology from Dallas College by enrolling with the college to complete the remaining required coursework.
“We are proud to work with Amazon to improve the talent pipeline in Texas,” said Dr. Joe May, Chancellor of Dallas College. “By closely collaborating with Amazon through this unique apprenticeship program, we are able to align coursework to meet the specific needs of the industry in this high-growth area. Students also have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials that will jumpstart their careers when they enter or re-enter the workforce.”
Amazon’s partnership with Dallas College’s Eastfield Campus in Mesquite began in June. While three other higher education institutions are also participating in the program, apprentices will study at Dallas College from locations outside of Texas, including Nevada, California, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.
Dallas College’s School of Manufacturing & Industrial Technology, one of seven schools established earlier this year when the seven colleges that constituted the Dallas County Community College District were merged into a single institution, expects to host another 160 apprentices this year.
“Mechatronics is a proven way for companies to produce and move goods with the quality and safety modern consumers have come to expect,” said Dr. Veronique V. Tran, Vice Provost of the School of Manufacturing & Industrial Technology. “As companies such as Amazon harness the power of automation to provide better, safer and more rewarding jobs for employees, Dallas College is committed to providing training for the multi-skilled technicians who keep these companies running.”
“I have appreciated hearing directly from the apprentices in the program and seeing their success first-hand during the twelve weeks they are with us. We look forward to expanding this partnership in the future,” added Dr. Eddie Tealer, president, Dallas College Eastfield Campus.
In addition to Amazon, apprentices participate in this program from other large employers including Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc (JLL), Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE), Cushman & Wakefield (C&W) and Elite Line Services. Dallas College has partnered with local hotels and transportation companies to provide services to students while they live in Mesquite and study at the Eastfield Campus for the duration of the program.
More information on the Advanced Manufacturing/Mechatronics Technology program can be found here.
About Dallas College
Dallas College, formerly the Dallas County Community College District, was founded in 1965, and comprises seven campuses: Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake and Richland. Dallas College offers online learning, and serves more than 83,000 credit and 25,000 continuing education students during the fall and spring semesters. Dallas College also offers dual credit for students in partner high schools and early college high schools throughout Dallas County. Dr. Joe May, the college’s 7th chancellor, has established the Dallas College higher education network in partnership with area school districts, colleges and universities, businesses, community organizations and others to support student success and college completion by removing barriers and providing services that help them earn a college credential and start their professional careers.