CENTRE HALL —The Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology, a vocational school that offers technical education and training programs in Centre Hall, announced it became a member of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance on Monday , May 13.
The membership affords students completing career and technical education programs at CPI the opportunity to earn SACA Industry 4.0 certifications.
Industry 4.0 refers to the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies, which includes technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing and the Industrial Internet of Things — often referred to as IIoT. IIoT technologies include such things as advanced robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and machines, cloud-based data analysis and cybersecurity.
CPI, which offers more than 18 secondary programs, over 60 in-house adult and continuing education programs and more than 350 online courses, joined the Smart Automation Certification Alliance to help its students better face the new industrial landscape and give them a competitive advantage in the job market.
SACA’s Industry 4.0 certifications certify connected systems skills that address the integration of the many types of advanced manufacturing technologies with Industry 4.0 technology.
“Industrial automation technology is rapidly evolving and training programs need to keep up,” shared Kevin King, mechatronics coordinator of the emerging energy and infrastructure department. “Our students will be graduating with not only their CPI diploma, but with internationally recognized SACA credentials developed by technical experts from companies like Boeing and Hershey. It’s a huge confidence booster for our students and it validates our advanced manufacturing and control systems training programs.”
CPI students will be able to earn SACA certifications at the associate, specialist and professional level in areas such as basic and advanced operations, robot systems, IIoT, networking and data analytics, automation systems, production systems and information technology operations.
Students can pursue a silver certification, which entails passing a written knowledge exam, or a gold certification, which requires the student to pass a written knowledge exam and complete a hands-on performance assessment on approved equipment.
