City National Bank Donation to help WNC AIT students

A generous donation by City National Bank on Thursday enables more students of Western Nevada College’s Applied Industrial Technology program to pursue industry certifications and enhance their professional careers.

City National Bank donated $3,000 to the Western Nevada College Foundation to fund 10 student scholarships.

“WNC offers students important opportunities with this program. It’s a great way for manufacturers to be proactive and provide their employees with the skills necessary to advance in their careers,” said Lori Haney, Senior Vice President of the City National Bank in Carson City.

WNC provides its AIT students with the necessary training to pass two industry-supported certifications: the Manufacturing Technical level 1 credential and the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification.

CNB’s gift allows WNC to fund training for 10 students in the MT1 certification program, covering materials and cost of the exam. After completing this program, the students will be prepared to train for the Siemens Mechatronic Systems program.

“These certifications provide WNC students with a lifetime of improved earnings and career advancement potential, benefitting both our community and our local economy,” said WNC Director of Institutional Development Niki Gladys. “We are very grateful to Lori Haney and City National Bank for their support.”

Sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers, the MT1 program is a three-class series that has online and in-class options. Students learn hands-on skills and practical knowledge for practical manufacturing, including AC/DC electrical, pneumatics, relay controls and hydraulics. They will develop their computer skills with Web-based simulators and train on equipment during lab sessions to maximize their understanding of math and measurement, technology and spatial reasoning and quality and business acumen topics. Collectively, this training prepares the student for the MT1 certification exam.

Earlier this year, WNC partnered with Siemens, a worldwide leader in automation and mechatronics, to launch the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program.

The SMSCP is an internationally recognized credential for technical workers in the areas of manufacturing and distribution. WNC is the only college in the Western region offering this distinctive training program. Students prepare for the certification by taking a series of five classes that develop them into technicians skilled at troubleshooting. The classes also count toward an Associate Degree in Technology.

After a student passes this internationally recognized industry certification exam, he or she is qualified to become a Siemens Certified Mechatronic Systems Assistant who can operate a well-grounded machine in a complex system. With this expertise, the newly certified person can operate equipment efficiently, with little down time, and can solve problems as they arise.

Employment in the industrial technology field is increasing in demand due to the increasing number of manufacturers in Northern Nevada, including companies such as Panasonic, Switch, Tesla Motors and Click Bond. These companies are depending on WNC more and more to provide a capable workforce necessary to drive the region’s economic growth.

To learn more about WNC’s AIT program, contact Emily Howarth at Emily.howarth@wnc.edu or at 775-445-3300. To create similar opportunities for students, contact WNC Foundation Director Niki Gladys at 775-445-3239 or visit http://www.wnc.edu/foundation/.