Why Should We Take Engineering Technology Programs On Site?

In a booming economy, colleges with engineering technology programs in small to medium size markets struggle to attract students. Higher wages, overtime opportunities, retiring workers, and a tight job market pull potential students away from college. This is occurring at a time when workers need more skills, especially technical skills like those acquired in an engineering technology program. In this dilemma, what should industry and education leaders do? They should move to a new paradigm by taking engineering technology programs to the workers onsite. At Chattanooga State Technical Community College in Chattanooga, Tennessee, an innovative alliance with Dupont Chattanooga has shown that providing engineering technology programs on-site is viable. In the fall 1999 semester, 66 student FTE’s were generated and in the fall 2000 semester, 54 student FTE’s were generated in three engineering technology programs: Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, Automated Control Engineering Technology, and Process Operator Chemical Technology. Success of this innovative approach was made possible by addressing critical issues: 1) a workable method of instruction that includes a combination of independent study, class, and lab; 2) a schedule of classes that accounts for rotating shifts; 3) a system of verifying acquired technical skills; 4) a practical schedule for instructors; and, 5) a lab with appropriate equipment. This successful alliance provides employees of Dupont educational opportunities that they would not have otherwise. Also, Chattanooga State boosts its engineering technology enrollments and provides a needed service to its industrial community.