Drake State CSI Program Partners Students with Industry

As the demand for skilled technicians continues to grow, Drake State and local industry partners are teaming up for a win-win-win proposition.

The Drake State CSI (Connecting Students with Industry) Advanced Industrial Maintenance (AIM) Program will match five companies with the right students as they pursue a two-year technical associate degree. 

The CSI program combines a cutting-edge curriculum with advanced manufacturing technology, paid work-based learning experience, in addition to essential soft skill business principles.

“It’s about connecting students with these different industries so they can get on-the-job training, as well as coursework here at Drake,” said Mark Moore, director of Public Relations at Drake State. “And they get paid for it, which is a big plus.”

The first cohort will be working in industrial maintenance, also known as mechatronics. Mechatronics focuses on problem solving; students learn how to repair machinery and equipment, making sure that things are working well, as well as analyze the processes and problems when things go wrong.

The five participating companies are Boeing, GE Appliances, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, Lockheed Martin, and LSINC. 

In an upcoming information session, each company will discuss what their specific needs are, and students will have the opportunity to ask specific questions about the companies and the program itself. 

To apply for the CSI program, students must already be enrolled at Drake State or in the application process. An essay and a resume are also required as part of the application packet. Drake State will offer a resume review, to ensure that the applicant’s resume is acceptable. It’s a competitive process with a limited number of slots. Students that have been accepted will begin working this summer and classes start the fall. When school is in session, students will spend each week in class for two days and at work for three days.

“This is a program that is including our students in worked based learning programs, said Karen Ray, Director of Workforce Development program. “It allows them to make a livable wage, go to school and earn a degree at the same time, and gain the skill they need to support their career after they finish the degree.”

Ray, who was instrumental in developing the CSI program, says that many work-based students land a job where they’re learning. “A high number of students that do work-based learning, they do get a job offer afterwards,” said Ray. “Look at it this way, it’s almost like a 6-semester interview process for a company.”

Most importantly, work-based students are “plug and play” when it comes to learning the company culture, making them an ideal “fit” for where they’re working.

“So many of the things work directly with industry,” said Moore. “So, they’re not only learning these broad concepts, but they are also learning specific cultures of different companies, companies in our area, companies that pay well, and they’re getting real relationships out of it. The other cool thing about it, all of this is in response to industry need. We have workers that are needed in this specific space, so we’re excited to have the opportunity to do that for our students. It’s a win-win for us and for the industry.”

The upcoming information session is Tuesday, May 3rd from 6:30-7:30PM in the Cafetorium on Drake State Campus. To apply: drakestate.edu/csi

For more information, contact: karen.ray@drakestate.edu