Students in the Industrial Maintenance Technology (IMT) program at the Laurel County Schools Center for Innovation (CFI) are learning to develop essential workforce and career readiness skills in the lab.  “Electrical circuits and motor control systems are critically important to efficient automated plant operations in all types of advanced manufacturing,” said Gary Karr, IMT program coordinator.  Students in the program take courses in electrical technology, motor controls, programmable logic controls, construction technology, and welding technology.  “Having technicians that understand how to install, program, operate, and maintain advanced technology systems is vital to manufacturing industries,” added Karr.

Students can earn industry recognized career ready credentials from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) as an Electrical Technician as well as safety certification by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) prior to graduating from high school. “Many of our students participate in work-based learning with local employers in the senior year which helps them to prepare for a successful transition to the workforce,” remarked Dr. James M. Davis, Principal. If students are looking for an in demand, high wage career path in advanced manufacturing or in the industrial trades such as electrical, construction, welding, plumbing, or air condition technology then they should look into the IMT program at the CFI, added Davis.