Ivy Tech Community College and Conexus Indiana will partner to accelerate the use of smart manufacturing technology in Indiana.
The two organizations aim to increase the number of manufacturing firms using digital technologies in their operations and manufacturing processes. The technologies include the Internet of Things, cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
The collaborative effort also calls for the creation of new skills training courses. Ivy Tech will pilot courses for employers seeking to develop talent that can drive technology change in advanced manufacturing.
“This partnership with Ivy Tech, which will allow us to inform the curricula that prepare future industry leaders, is a positive step toward bridging the talent gap in Industry 4.0 advanced manufacturing,” said Fred Cartwright, Conexus Indiana president and CEO, in a press release.
Ivy Tech and Conexus Indiana will also engage manufacturing firms in curriculum development. Courses will vary from one- to two-day workshops to multi-week offerings. This summer, Ivy Tech plans to offer Supervisory Leadership for Industry 4.0, Programmable Logic Controls Applied Applications and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence.
“The fourth industrial revolution is here, and Indiana firms must be ready to adopt smart technologies that will increase their competitiveness, productivity and profitability while creating high-tech, high-wage jobs,” said Molly Dodge, Ivy Tech senior vice president of workforce and careers.
A 2022 Conexus report found that half of all Indiana advanced manufacturing firms plan to adopt new technologies such as sensor technology and the Internet of Things, by 2027. Ivy Tech and Conexus aim to help meet the demand for local talent with digital skills.
Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It also serves thousands of students annually online. Ivy Tech offers associate degrees, certificate programs and training.
Indianapolis-based Conexus Indiana is one of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership’s initiatives. Conexus collaborates with industry, academic and public sector partners to help create an innovative, skilled workforce. The company was founded over a decade ago.
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