(WAUSAU, Wis.) – Northcentral Technical College (NTC) in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout) is pleased to announce a new opportunity for those interested in pursuing a degree in Automation Leadership. This one-of-a-kind degree features industry-backed credentials from the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA), a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop and deploy modular Industry 4.0 certifications for a wide range of industries.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Automation Leadership solves a wide range of needs by providing several pathways for learners to complete an advanced degree. Learners can earn credit for past coursework and on-the-job skills to advance from SACA credentialing to Associate Degree to Bachelor’s Degree and beyond more quickly and efficiently, creating unique opportunities to up-skill central Wisconsin’s incumbent workforce.
“As we developed this program in partnership with UW-Stout, we have received overwhelming support from area employers and professional organizations,” said Dr. Darren Ackley, Vice President of Learning and Provost of NTC. “Providing innovative educational opportunities into smart manufacturing careers is a win-win for our communities and local economy.”
The Automation Leadership degree also helps area businesses attract and retain high-skilled workers through flexible degree completion options, so employees can earn their degrees online while they work. The degree consists of 120 credits that can be earned by completing Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) credentials, college classes or a combination of the two. Through innovative partnership with local K-12 Districts, high school students can get a jumpstart on the degree at their high school. More than half of the program, 88 credits, can be completed through SACA credentials or classes at NTC that transfer to UW-Stout, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University. The remaining 32 credits of the bachelor’s degree at UW-Stout, including classes in lean manufacturing, internet of things in operations, and organizational leadership, are available online, allowing learners to stay local.
To learn more, contact Xang Lee, Transfer and Student Success Advisor at NTC, by calling 715.803.1618 or emailing leex@ntc.edu.