Meridian Tech to offer Industrial Technology training track

Meridian Technology Center instructor Cody Erwin installs equipment to be used by students planning to take a new Industrial Technology training track at the center. (MTC Communications photo)

Officials at Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater have finalized plans to offer an Industrial Technology track for students to follow beginning in the fall. It will be part of the center’s Energy and Power program.

“When we talk about industrial technology, we’re talking about a broad term that describes the technology used in the engineering process or to manufacture goods,” Energy and Power Instructor Cody Erwin said. “Its application uses complex, intelligent machine processes to optimize resources. Industrial technology helps the manufacturing process become faster, simpler and more efficient.”

The new training will focus on industrial electrical systems, fluid power systems, mechanical drive systems, programmable logic controllers and process controls. Students will also learn to program robotics and mechatronics.

According to a news release, representatives from National Standard, Armstrong World Industries, Ditch Witch, Stillwater Power and Oklahoma Gas & Electric’s Sooner Power Plant worked with Erwin to develop the career training pathway. In addition to helping him identify equipment and content, some offered internships to students enrolled in current Energy and Power courses.

Meridian offers full-time career training programs, short courses, workforce and economic development assistance and entrepreneurial support to residents from the Agra, Carney, Glencoe, Guthrie, Morrison, Mulhall-Orlando, Pawnee, Perkins-Tryon, Perry and Stillwater school districts. The school has locations in Stillwater and Guthrie.