West Kentucky Community & Technical College

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It's not your grandpa's factory anymore - meet the NEW face of Industrial Maintenance!

by Justin Jones

Paducah, KY (05/20/2025) — This engaging workshop will introduce educators to the exciting world of modern industrial maintenance, where hands-on skills meet high-tech innovation. Participants will explore how today's careers in Industry 4.0-the fourth industrial revolution-blend robotics, automation, sensors, and smart systems with traditional mechanical know-how. No prior knowledge or experience with applied technology subjects is required. The workshop will be held from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm June 4, 2025, at the West Kentucky Community and Technical College Emerging Technology Center in Paducah, Kentucky, and is open to any high school classroom instructor in the region (KY, IL, MO, TN).

Led by Jonathan Baker, Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Advanced Manufacturing at WKCTC, the workshop will offer beginner hands-on learning activities and highlight how industrial maintenance has evolved into a dynamic, technology-driven field offering high-paying, in-demand careers. Teachers will gain insights into the training programs and career pathways available to their students-especially those who may not have considered technical careers before.

"Skilled maintenance professionals help reduce downtime, improve productivity, and support innovation in manufacturing processes. Today's Industrial Maintenance Technicians now need both high-tech skills and mechanical skills. This workshop is designed to help high school teachers understand what the new work environment is like and what skills are needed by entry-level new hires," states Baker.

"Kentucky is home to a strong manufacturing sector, including automotive, aerospace, and logistics industries," Baker continued. "These sectors rely heavily on highly-skilled maintenance technicians to keep automated systems and complex, advanced machinery running efficiently."

Preference will be given to teachers who teach non-applied technology classroom subjects, such as:

- Language Arts

- World Languages

- Fine Arts

- Social Studies/Humanities

- Physical Education/Health

- Science

- Mathematics

- STEM Electives

Teachers who fully participate in all workshop activities will be eligible for a $175 stipend. Space is limited to 20 attendees, and reservations must be made by May 30, 2025.

To reserve a spot, call (270) 534-3145. (No emails, please.) Questions may also be directed to the same number.

This workshop is part of a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant awarded in 2023 to WKCTC's Advanced Manufacturing/Industrial Maintenance program (DUE #2300335).

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