By Cailyn Kennedy
Beginning fall, the Industrial Systems Technology Program at Lenoir Community College will have a new look. The new “super program” will consist of core classes in blueprint reading, hydraulics, and more; with three separate tracks based on student interest to include mechanical engineering, computer-integrated machining, and industrial maintenance. Students will begin the program in introductory technical core classes which teach them the basics of industrial systems. As they transition through the program, they will then choose the track which interests them, receiving specific training in each respective field.
“It is critical to bridge the gap between academics and industry,” says Andrew Luppino, Director of Advanced Manufacturing & Industrial Systems Technology Program Chair. “Through strategic partnerships with local businesses and industrial employers, the College can provide students with valuable opportunities for internships, co-ops, and apprenticeships. These partnerships not only enrich the learning experience but also pave the way for future employment opportunities upon graduation.”
Industrial Systems Technology instructor Dustin Pollock says, “Graduates of the new super program will be able to get jobs in every kind of industry out there, such as manufacturing. Companies like Crown, West Pharmaceuticals, Masterbrand Cabinets, and Spirit AeroSystems are in dire need of employees with skills in machining, industrial maintenance, and mechanical engineering. Service companies that operate in equipment rentals and condition monitoring contractors require cross-over skills that students will learn in the new Industrial Systems super program. These skills, along with other certifications now offered at LCC, will also translate into the transportation industry for aviation and freight liner-related jobs.”
The curriculum of this new super program is designed to prepare or upgrade individuals to safely service, maintain, repair, or install equipment. Instruction in each track includes topics such as theory and skill training needed for inspecting, testing, troubleshooting, and diagnosing industrial systems; utilizing manual and automated machines; and mechanical engineering.
Industrial Systems Technology student Noah Miller is achieving success at only 22 years old. Miller attends classes at the Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Center (AAMC) all while working at Masterbrand in Kinston as a support technologist. After completing his degree at LCC, he hopes to further his education at East Carolina University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Systems Engineering.
“My ultimate dream is to become a controls technician for programmable logic controllers. While it is probably the most challenging part of this program, it has been my favorite to work on so far in this degree program.”
Miller says he appreciates his instructor, Dustin Pollock. “He is a very communicative instructor, and I know that if I am ever struggling, he will be there to help me through it.”
“If you like to learn how things work and are interested in how to fix big machines, this is your program,” says Pollock. “When you learn the fundamentals of Electrical, Mechanical, and Fluid Power systems, you can fix anything in the world, and companies will pay you good money to do it.”
Student Noah Miller says, “Any student who wants to pursue this degree program needs to be determined and hardworking, and as long as you never give up and continue to put forth the effort, you will do well.”
For more information, visit LCC Industrial Systems Technology.
