Rockwell Automation Partners with ATCC to Expand Automation Training Across Central Minnesota

Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest industrial automation solutions provider, and Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) announced on August 16 a memorandum of understanding that will broaden access to professional automation training throughout outstate Minnesota.

Under the agreement, ATCC staff will complete Rockwell’s train‑the‑trainer program, enabling the college to offer five Rockwell‑certified courses across 32 central Minnesota counties. The courses are slated to launch in the fall semester of 2010, providing local manufacturing workers with the skills needed to thrive in today’s technology‑driven factories.

“Minnesota manufacturers are confronting a potentially debilitating shortage of technically skilled workers,” said Chad Coauette, Dean of Customized Training at ATCC. “By partnering with an industry leader like Rockwell Automation, we can deliver a cutting‑edge curriculum that reflects the latest manufacturing technology, ensuring our workforce remains competitive on the global stage.”

“Technology has reshaped every step of the manufacturing process—jobs have become technology jobs that demand advanced skills,” explained Nick Goebel, Global Training Services Business Manager at Rockwell Automation. “Rockwell is uniquely positioned to help businesses and workers gain the expertise required to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment. We chose ATCC, a respected institution, to extend high‑quality automation training to Minnesota workers who previously had limited access.”

ATCC and Rockwell are collaborating with Werner Electric Supply Minnesota, an authorized Rockwell distributor within the PartnerNetwork framework. Werner will supply equipment and local support for the program, ensuring students train on industry‑standard hardware.

“Alexandria Technical & Community College has already invested heavily in automation education, making it an ideal partner for this initiative,” said Kevin Powell, President of Werner Electric Supply Minnesota.

ATCC has secured a grant exceeding $98,000 from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Innovation Fund to purchase the latest Rockwell hardware and software, building a state‑of‑the‑art training facility.

About the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork Framework
The PartnerNetwork framework comprises three categories—Business Enterprise, Sales & Solutions, and Products & Technologies—and offers seven partner types, providing global manufacturers with a network of specialists dedicated to plant‑wide optimization, machine performance, and sustainability.

About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation Inc., headquartered in Milwaukee, is the world’s leading industrial automation and information company. With approximately 19,000 employees serving customers in over 80 countries, Rockwell delivers solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability worldwide.