Advanced Manufacturing Students Can Aim Higher After CNM Inks Transfer Agreement to Bachelor’s Degree Program

CNM and the University of Wisconsin-Stout recently signed an agreement that will allow graduates from CNM’s Industrial Automation (Mechatronics) Certificate program to easily transfer into UW-Stout’s online bachelor’s degree program focused on advanced manufacturing, automation, and industry leadership.

The agreement provides CNM’s Industrial Automation students an opportunity to aim higher and become leaders in a growing, high-demand field that’s crucial for our local and national economies.

“On behalf of CNM, we’re excited to partner with UW-Stout to create a powerful new pathway for our students and for employers who need a highly skilled workforce,” said CNM President Tracy Hartzler. “Our Industrial Automation program at CNM already prepares students with the hands-on skills regional employers need. Through this uplifting partnership, our students will be able to seamlessly advance their education into a high-quality bachelor’s degree program that will prepare them to be leaders in advanced manufacturing. The result is a stronger talent pipeline for employers that will help their businesses grow and thrive, and greater opportunity for our graduates to advance into leadership roles, high-demand careers and the quality of life they seek.”

In addition to the courses from CNM’s Industrial Automation (Mechatronics) program, the embedded micro-credentials through the nationally recognized Smart Automation Certification Alliance will also be transferrable.

The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute estimates that 3.8 million new advanced manufacturing jobs will be needed by 2033, with up to 2.1 million jobs potentially going unfilled by 2030.

“This partnership is so important because it gives CNM learners another way to keep building on the career path they’ve set out on,” said Alba Martinez, a CNM Transfer Specialist. “Learners who have earned their Industrial Automation Technician Certificate can now transfer those credits to a flexible online bachelor’s program that fits around their lives, further setting them up for personal and career success.”

President Hartzler and UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank signed the agreement during the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation (AFIT) Higher Education CEO Forum that was hosted at CNM on Feb. 27. AFIT is an association of innovative higher education leaders who are committed to transforming their organizations in the face of unprecedented challenges and change. President Hartzler and Chancellor Frank serve on AFIT’s executive committee.

This is one of many education and industry partnerships that CNM has engaged in to create more opportunities for students to achieve their education, training, and career goals.

UW-Stout is the polytechnic institute of the University of Wisconsin System and enrolls more than 6,900 students per year.