Waubonsee Community College will offer new degree and certificate programs designed to help students prepare for the demands of modern manufacturing.

On Jan. 15, the Waubonsee Community College Board of Trustees approved seven new degrees and certificates in Automation Technology and Machine Tool Technology.

The new degrees will enhance the college’s cohesive package of programs related to Advanced Manufacturing, including Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CAD), Automation and Welding.

The programs will focus on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operation, CNC Programming, Manual Machining and Advanced Manufacturing Technology, among others.

The curricular changes come in response to requests from employers who are seeking a more skilled workforce, said Suzette Murray, Assistant Vice President of Career and Technical Education at Waubonsee.

The changes come as part of Waubonsee’s continued efforts to remain on the cutting edge of manufacturing technology training. The college has added seven new Haas CNC machines and upgraded manual equipment in the college’s machining lab, thanks to a Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant awarded to the Illinois Network for Advanced Manufacturing.

The new degree and certificate programs will debut in the fall 2014 semester.

For more information on these new degree and certificate programs, please contact Waubonsee’s Admissions department at (630) 466-7900, ext. 5756.