Governor Lee Visits Motlow’s ARTC
October 20, 2022
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee visited the Automation and Robotics Training Center (ARTC) at Motlow State Community College’s McMinnville campus on Monday, October
17. Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence and Executive Director of the ARTC Larry Flatt gave the Governor a tour of the facility.
During his visit, he met with several industry students completing their certification in FANUC’s Robot Operation and Programming course.
Motlow’s ARTC serves both students and industry. “It is a training facility for workforce development and our industry partner students, and it is also an education facility where Motlow students earn degrees with certificates and credentials along the way,” said Torrence.
An advantage of Motlow’s training equipment is its portability. Motlow faculty can go to a company’s location and train on-site when needed instead of sending students to the ARTC campus.
Governor Lee was impressed with Motlow’s quick turnaround to train industry students and deliver them to the workforce. This ability helps bring major corporations and jobs to the State, such as Ford’s Blue Oval City in Memphis.
“All they need is a willingness to learn,” said Flatt. “They learn fundamentals in two days and advanced programming in four days.”
“Currently, we can turn around about 40 people per week. But we are always innovating and building on our courses, so we can do more if necessary,” added Torrence.
Quick turnaround is excellent news for mechatronics corporations—especially car manufacturers working on converting their inventory to new electric vehicles. Motlow is well prepared to train in numerous different types of robotic machinery. The College has instructors certified for FANUC, Yaskawa Motoman, and ABB. Additionally, Motlow’s Senior Robotics Trainer, Charles King, is currently one of only six people in the United States authorized to teach FANUC outside their facility.
“We don’t have to think about how to do it because we are already doing it,” stated Torrence. “Motlow is also already teaching in virtual spaces. This enables us to educate in centralized, pop-up locations.”
Students don’t have to wait until they finish high school to start their mechatronics education. Motlow has dual enrollment programs at multiple high schools where juniors and seniors can start their associate degrees while still in high school. The College also conducts STEM camps throughout the summer to begin bridging students into STEM career fields from elementary school through high school.
“We are proud to help support the Governor’s long-term vision for economic development and workforce as it relates to current and future industries,” Torrence said. For more information, contact robotics@mscc.edu.