Northeast Iowa Community College launches groundbreaking “super lab” to drive advanced manufacturing innovation

Northeast Iowa Community College launches groundbreaking "super lab" to drive advanced manufacturing innovation

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

The lab is designed to meet the demands of Industry 4.0, by seamlessly integrating technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, automation and Big Data into manufacturing and industrial processes.

PEOSTA, Iowa-Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is propelling its Industrial Technologies building at the Peosta campus into the future with the creation of a cutting-edge "super lab."

The advanced facility will revolutionize how students and industry partners engage with evolving technologies, setting a new benchmark in education and workforce training for the advanced manufacturing sector.The lab will better accommodate evolving technology in the advanced manufacturing industry, offer more flexible options for students and meet the skilled employee needs of local businesses.

At its Nov. 18 meeting, the NICC Board of Trustees awarded the project bid of $703,940 submitted by Foreman Construction, of Hiawatha, to bring this ambitious vision to life - the redesigned Competency-Based Education (CBE) Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Robotics, Automation and Engineering Technology Lab.

This state-of-the-art lab embraces a CBE model, empowering students to take control of their learning pace and master essential skills tailored to today's industry demands. The lab also creates new opportunities for local employers to design targeted micro-credential pathways, ensuring a pipeline of highly skilled talent equipped for the region's workforce needs. The redesigned Competency-Based lab will redefine flexibility, adaptability and innovation in education and training.

"The new lab's innovative design allows Northeast Iowa Community College to expand enrollment in advanced manufacturing programs," said NICC Vice President of Teaching and Learning Kathy Nacos-Burds, Ph.D. "With multiple program start times and flexible scheduling options, this space will adapt to the needs of our students, evolve with technological advancements and amplify our ability to serve both credit and non-credit learners simultaneously."

Construction begins in December 2024, with project completion targeted for the 2025-2026 academic year. This transformative project is funded through the State of Iowa Accelerated Career Education (ACE) Program.

The lab is designed to meet the demands of Industry 4.0, by seamlessly integrating technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, automation and Big Data into manufacturing and industrial processes.

"This renovation will enhance our students' experience by providing streamlined access to cross-utilized manufacturing equipment," said Greg Moklestad, Dean of Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Technology and Computer Science. "Our Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, CNC, Industrial Maintenance Technician and Engineering Technology students all rely on overlapping technologies, and this lab enables us to train them more efficiently and effectively."

The future of advanced manufacturing and engineering is soaring. With smarter technology, surging product demand and a growing need for skilled professionals to design, program and maintain advanced machinery, NICC is preparing students to lead the way in advanced manufacturing. Programs taught by industry experts ensure graduates are equipped to meet the region's workforce needs and thrive in a fast-changing field.

For more information about advanced manufacturing programs at NICC, visit nicc.edu/advancedmanufacturing.