Florence 1 Schools and AESC Join Forces to Launch Engineering Program for Local High School Students

Florence 1 Schools is collaborating with AESC to start a program to prepare students for engineering careers after high school. The program, Mechatronics or Mechatronics Integrated Technologies, will start at Advantage Academy in the 2024-2025 academic year. It will cover mechanics, pneumatics, robotics, and electronics, and will be open to 10-12 grade students. The program includes four courses, and students who finish all four can earn industry-recognized certifications like OSHA.

Cody Drake, Director of the AESC SC Project, supports the program. He believes it will prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing and technology, and contribute to the workforce in the electric vehicle battery industry.

Bryan Dubose, a school counselor at Advantage Academy, mentioned the increasing demand in engineering and local business input as reasons for offering the Mechatronics program. He also said the new AESC electric vehicle battery plant would be a good partner for program students. Dubose thinks the program will help students interested in STEM fields like robotics, engineering, and industrial maintenance.

Maggie Gause, Director of Student Support Services for Florence 1 Schools, agrees with Dubose. She stressed the district's commitment to aligning their courses with student and community needs and interests. Gause thinks the Mechatronics Program at Advantage Academy is timely due to the new AESC plant in Florence. She hopes the program will provide students with the skills and training needed for employment after high school.

Gregg Robinson, CEO of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, sees the new program as important for workforce development. He said the program will provide the current workforce with necessary skills and prepare future employees for companies like AESC. Robinson thinks the program will make Florence County a center for advanced manufacturing.

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