PIQUA — To meet the growing demand of the regional manufacturing industry, Edison State Community College will offer a new Equipment Maintenance Technology and Factory Automation certificate program this fall.

The certificate program comprises 10 courses that can be completed in as little as one year.

The Equipment Maintenance Technology program will prepare students to pursue various career opportunities upon completion, including service technician, equipment repair specialist, field service technician, production mechanic and maintenance technician, to name a few.

“Manufacturers in the region have requested programs to assist with the shortage of skilled maintenance technicians,” said Lisa Wendel, of the Darke County Economic Development Office. “This program will assist those companies with filling that need. Individuals who participate and complete this program will be heavily sought after by local industry.”

The program will be offered through the college’s Darke County Campus while also serving residents of Mercer, Miami, Preble, Randolph, Shelby and surrounding counties.

According to Glassdoor.com, students certified in this field will have the potential to make the regional average of $46,575 annually.

“Manufacturing throughout the region is highly automated and equipment maintenance technicians are needed to keep today’s advanced technology running smoothly,” said Chad Beanblossom, dean of Darke County campus.

Students enrolled in the program will meet Monday and Wednesday evenings at the Greenville High School Advanced Manufacturing Lab to take courses in circuits, digital electronics, advanced controls, electronic devices, hydraulics and pneumatics, programmable logic controllers, industrial controls and robotics.

For information or to enroll, call 937-548-5546 or visit Edison State’s Darke County campus, 601 Wagner Ave., Greenville.