Training Consortium Funds High Tech Equipment To Support Education, Industry Training at ECTC

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — The Elizabethtown/Hardin County Industrial Foundation Training Consortium (EIFTC) has partnered with Elizabethtown Community and Technical College to enhance the delivery of training to area industry and support the education of students majoring in high technology disciplines.
EIFTC has given $60,393 to ECTC to purchase a FANUC robotics training cart that will provide advanced robotics experiences.  It offers integrated vision and force sensing products, simulation packages, application software and other training/educational aids.
ECTC also will acquire items necessary to complete an integrated manufacturing system that mimics actual applications in manufacturing robotics, programmable logical controls and motor controls.  The system will allow students to program simulated assembly processes.
“This state-of-the-art equipment complements existing technology in ECTC’s classrooms and laboratories and greatly expands our ability to both teach students advanced manufacturing processes and train the area’s workforce,” said Michael Hazzard, chair of ECTC’s Technical Division and a certified FANUC instructor.  “This generous investment in technology will help ensure that instruction at ECTC continues to be up-to-date and relevant to the needs of business and industry.”
EIFTC coordinates the development and implementation of training programs for member companies, works to upgrade skills of current members and supports the educational development of students who may be considered for employment upon graduation.
“Elizabethtown Community and Technical College through its Workforce Solutions unit continues to meet the training needs of  the area’s business and industry community and partners with various entities to ensure that we have a well-prepared, qualified workforce,” said Shane Wilson, Altec Industries facilities manager and chair of the EIFTC Board of Directors.  “This gift to ECTC is an investment in the future of our community and the entire region served by the college.”
EIFTC members include AGC Automotive, Akebono Corporation, Altec Industries, Inc., Beam Suntory, Bluegrass Cellular, The Cecilian Bank, City of Elizabethtown, Dow Corning, ECTC, Elizabethtown/Hardin County Industrial Foundation, Inc., Flex Films, Metalsa Corporation and Mouser Cabinetry, LLC.