Learn about Harper College manufacturing career programs

Harper College will hold an information session for its manufacturing career programs at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Wojcik Conference Center on the Palatine campus, Room W218, 1200 W. Algonquin Road.

Those who attend can meet Harper instructors and learn how they combine classroom theory and real-life experiences to prepare students to become leaders in growing manufacturing fields such as advanced manufacturing technology, computer numerical control (CNC) operations, manufacturing production, mechatronics/automation, precision machining, metal fabrication/welding and supply chain management/logistics.

Launched in fall 2012, Harper’s Advanced Manufacturing program was selected earlier this year as the Exemplary Initiatives winner for Community and Workforce Needs by the National Council of Instructional Administrators. It partners with more than 70 area manufacturers to place students into paid internships. The program also was awarded a $13 million federal grant to expand to community colleges statewide.

Certificate, degree and internship programs are available and students can prepare for a career in as few as 12 months. Demand for skilled workers is high, with the annual Manpower Talent Shortage Survey of 40,000 employers finding that 34 percent are struggling to fill skilled trades and engineering positions.

Harper will waive the $25 application fee for those who apply during the session. For more information or to RSVP, visit harpercollege.edu or call (847) 925-6940.