The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) and Mountwest Community and Technical College (MCTC) have responded to industry demand by creating a new career skills program in enhanced industrial maintenance technology. Registration is open for the fall term.
The SMART (Systems Maintenance, Automation and Robotics Technology) Program prepares students for high-paying jobs maintaining, repairing and monitoring industrial systems in automated manufacturing settings.
Students can earn industry credentials, a one-year certificate degree and a two-year associate of applied science degree and can pursue a career track in one or more industrial maintenance specializations, including automation/process control, electrical, electronics, fluid power, general maintenance, mechanical and motor controls.
“There’s a great demand locally for highly skilled individuals in manufacturing, and the demand is particularly acute in the industrial maintenance area,” said MAMC Director Derek Scarbro. “We gathered input from 26 area manufacturers to align SMART to meet local workforce needs while preparing students for good-paying jobs here in our region. I look forward to continuing this industry engagement to help guide this program’s development and growth.”
Dr. Joshua Baker, president of Mountwest, echoed the need for such a training initiative to serve the needs of industry while providing students additional career options.
“The SMART program has been designed to meet the needs of our local employers and creates pathways for students that lead to employment with good pay,” Baker said. “Mountwest is thrilled to continue working with MAMC to deliver this highly needed and requested program to our region.”
Students who enroll in the SMART program will begin classes Aug. 26. General education courses through Mountwest will be available online or in-person in Huntington. Students may choose to take the hands-on SMART courses either at MAMC Huntington (Monday and Tuesday days or Wednesday evenings) or at the Marshall University Mid-Ohio Valley Center in Point Pleasant (Thursday and Friday during the day).
“We’ve structured the program so students can work, at least part time, while completing their career skills training,” Scarbro said.
Prospective students can apply for the SMART program at www.mfg.marshall.edu/smart. For more information, contact MAMC’s Jill Goheen at or 304-781-1678 Steven Stacy at or 304-781-1670.
Major funding for SMART is provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the Just Transition Fund.
March 29, 2024
