360 – Manufacturing & Applied Engineering ATE Regional Center of Excellence

360 Develops Workforce

360, led by Bemidji State University, works with 14 technical and community colleges to develop a qualified workforce for advanced manufacturing. 360 impacts affiliated programs through program improvement funds, faculty professional development, learning modules, online and blended education programs, and career pathway opportunities. Since 2012,

• 294 individuals gained foundational skills through 360 eTECH, a consortium-based online and
  hands-on education program;
• 360 partner colleges saw a 36% increase in their graduates in just two years, from a baseline of 466 graduates compared to 636 graduates in May 2014;
• 50%, or 55 students out of 110 students, in Bemidji State University’s BAS degrees transferred credit from a 360 partner college.

360 Recruits with Dream It. Do It.

360 works closely with manufacturing businesses throughout Minnesota to promote advanced manufacturing through Dream It. Do It. Minnesota, a recruitment strategy. 360 leads Dream It. Do It. Minnesota by providing resources and hosting events to reach youth and their families. Since 2012,

• more than 25,000 individuals in Minnesota have been educated about modern manufacturing careers;
  1,200 teacher guides with lessons, activities, and videos have been disseminated; and
• more than 200 total businesses participated in the Statewide Tour, opening their doors for the public to experience modern manufacturing, reaching an estimated 13,530 total individuals.

The 360 eTECH program has been leveraged to develop new technicians. The program is now offered in six high schools. Since fall 2014, 31 students have enrolled in high school and college dual-credit courses that enable them to learn the technical skills needed to start manufacturing careers.

360 developed 26 Career Success Skills learning modules on topics prioritized by industry. They are free and can be used by instructors and employers to help individuals develop their soft skills. Since they were launched in 2014, 659 individual learning modules have been viewed.