At Tuesday’s Copper Country Intermediate School District Board of Education meeting, the body approved a contract with Michigan Tech to offer mechatronics again for Career and Technical Education students.
Mechatronics is the wedding of multiple engineering disciplines to create well-rounded systems. It uses skills developed in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer programming, robotics, and the creation of computer hardware. Michigan Tech is now providing an undergraduate degree in the field for the first time, and professor Alex Sergeyev is directly involved in instruction of the CCISD program, allowing for a seamless transition from high school to college for those interested in the field. Last year, 10 students were part of the program.
CTE Director Shawn Kolbus says the school year has gotten off to a great start. The Automotive Technology program continues to be the most popular.
Last year saw Zander Worm of Calumet receive national honors in the SkillsUSA Competition. That helps to build momentum for all programs at the Career and Technical Education Center.