ECTC recognizes Manufacturing Month

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College plays a key role in preparing tomorrow’s workforce for the challenges and opportunities that await in Kentucky’s high-demand career fields, including the dynamic advanced manufacturing sector. During October, Manufacturing Month, the college recognizes the students, alumni, employers and community partners contributing to the region’s unprecedented advanced manufacturing growth.

During the 2023-24 academic year, ECTC awarded approximately 1,375 credentials from its advanced manufacturing programs. The programs awarding the most credentials included electrical technology, welding, and industrial maintenance. Other advanced manufacturing programs include engineering and electronics technology, air conditioning technology, computer aided drafting and design, and computerized manufacturing and machining.

ECTC advanced manufacturing programs each offer degrees as well as multiple shorter-term certificates and diplomas. Students may earn a certificate or diploma as a stand-alone credential, or they may “stack” these credentials as they work toward a degree.  

Currently, about 600 students are enrolled in advanced manufacturing programs at ECTC. 

“Advanced manufacturing skills are in higher demand than ever before, and we’re very proud to work with our region’s employers to ensure our students are prepared to succeed in the industry,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Telly Sellars. “In addition to aligning with employers’ needs, ECTC’s advanced manufacturing instructors are among the very best, and the college continues to focus on helping prospective students understand the incredible career opportunities available in manufacturing.”

Earlier this year, ECTC launched the Advanced Manufacturing Accelerator Project, supported by a $1.9 million U.S. Department of Education Rural Postsecondary Economic Development grant.  
The project is developing new pathways that lead middle and high school students to ECTC advanced manufacturing programs, then internships, and ultimately local careers. Most recently, AMAP hosted 120 area high school students at ECTC’s bi-annual Advanced Manufacturing Career Days event.

To learn more about advanced manufacturing programs, visit the ECTC program finder. New classes begin Jan. 13, and financial aid is still available. Plus, all advanced manufacturing programs are eligible for the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, which could make a degree tuition-free.