April 9, 2025 Manufacturing automation is an exciting field, and there is perhaps nothing more fascinating than industrial robotics. You can achieve basic proficiency by taking just one class at GRCC. Then you’re ready for the job market! Why Robots in Manufacturing “A robot’s job is to perform repetitive tasks in a consistent way,” said Patrick Van Otteren, Assistant Professor. “This eliminates human error, which improves quality control. It also can eliminate costly injuries due to repetitive strain. Rather than doing monotonous, potentially harmful work, why not learn to program a robot to do it for you?” While many different brands of robots are used in manufacturing automation, FANUC is one of the premier choices and is a great system to learn. Once you learn to program and operate a FANUC robot, you will be able to translate those skills to other technology brands. What’s involved in programming a robot? “You have to think about each task as a series of steps in three dimensions,” Van Otteren said. “First the arm moves to a specific point. Then it performs a function, such as inserting a screw or grabbing a part. Then it moves to another position and does something else. If you can break a task down into repeatable steps, you can program a robot to do them.” The word “programming” is a bit of a misnomer. “You are not writing code in the same way you would for a computer,” Van Otteren said. “You’re really selecting steps from a series of menus and putting them in order. Those steps, plus your movement of the machine arm, tell the robot how to move in space.” Why choose GRCC for your FANUC Certification?   FANUC is headquartered in Detroit, and they offer a four-day robot certification course. Patrick took that course and is a certified instructor. Taking the class at GRCC rather than in Detroit offers some significant benefits. Location is certainly one of them. Cost is also a factor. The beginner course in Detroit is approximately $1,500. The GRCC tuition for this course is less than $500 for in-state residents. However, location and cost are not the only reasons to choose GRCC. “Our course is based on the same book and same equipment used at FANUC in Detroit, and they have certified our program ,” Van Otteren said. “We meet twice per week for seven weeks. GRCC has invested more than $500,000 in the latest technology, and we have six robots at Main Campus. This gives you a lot of hands-on time with the robot, as well as plenty of time to absorb what you’re learning. You’ll earn a certificate plus three college credits that you can build into a degree or other certification, if that is your goal. There are no prerequisites, so it’s a great course for any student.” Van Otteren notes that automation is the wave of the future. “Many simple, repetitive tasks will be done by robots,” Van Otteren said. “That means we need people who can program them. What’s great is that even if you have zero experience, you will find this is not a hard skill to pick up. I have had everyone from culinary students to engineering students take this class!” Once you have passed the course and earned your certification, many doors will open to you. “This certificate is recognized by West Michigan corporations and businesses nationwide,” Van Otteren said. “It shows you are qualified to operate a robot. Becoming an expert programmer takes practice, but you will have the skills to make a clean transition into an exciting career.” The FANUC certification course will be offered in person at Main Campus during the summer semester, which begins on May 5. Patrick encourages anyone and everyone to give it a try. Apply to GRCC “People say, ‘I could never do that work’ but nothing could be further from the truth,” Van Otteren said. “It’s easy to do and can be a lot of fun. This course is designed for people with no background in automation. It’s a highly rewarding skill to master.” Learn more about the FANUC certification course (EL 171) This story reported by Julie Hordyke.  

4/7/2025 You can turn on the tap any time to get a drink of clear, refreshing water. But did you ever think about where that water comes from, or how it gets there? Bring the whole family to Water Pool-ooza on the Lakeshore to have fun and find out! This free event is sponsored by the City of Grand Rapids and GRCC, with funding provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s a great way for students and adults to learn about and become water champions. There will be guided tours, hands-on activities and more to engage students, particularly those in grades K-12. Why is GRCC involved? Haley Kozal, W.K. Kellogg Empower Program Manager, explains that professionals who can help prepare and preserve drinking water are critically important. “This event is designed to engage young people in thinking about water as a resource and a career,” Kozal said. “Fresh drinking water is a precious resource. We need people to enter this career because it directly impacts public health and environmental sustainability. Water Pool-ooza is a fun way to see what happens behind the scenes at a water treatment plant. It will help students think about conservation as well as careers in water management.” Clean drinking water is an essential resource, but most people don’t think about it as a career choice. “GRCC’s Water to Work program allows students to earn a certificate in water technology,” Kozal said. “Students who are accepted into this program enjoy a free education, including tuition, books, fees and support services — thanks to the partnership between GRCC, Bay College and local municipalities. They are also paid for working at a partnering municipality during their education. All of this is funded by the EPA. ” Students who graduate from this one-year program earn a certificate in Water Technology. Then they need to pass a licensing exam in November that is administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). After that, they are authorized to work in a variety of water-related careers. “All of our Water to Work certificate earners have passed the EGLE licensing test,” Kozal said. “They are also all employed in full-time positions.” The Water to Work program currently offers six positions in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids, but GRCC has plans to expand to four more municipalities. The application period for fall of 2025 will open later this spring. The classroom portion of the program is offered fully online, so students do not need to come to campus for classes. They just need to travel to the municipality where their internship is offered. “This one-year program fills up very quickly,” Kozal said. “If you are interested in applying, please visit our website and join the mailing list ." Water Pool-ooza on the Lakeshore will be held at the City of Grand Rapids Water Treatment Facility on Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The address is 17350 Lake Michigan Drive, in West Olive (approximately 30 miles from downtown Grand Rapids). This indoor event is fully accessible, with sidewalks and elevators that allow everyone to enjoy the activities. Registration is not required for general admission, but it is highly recommended if you want to participate in a guided tour. Tours will be offered every 30 minutes starting at 10 a.m. and running through 2 p.m. You can learn more and register here . Our sincere thanks to the EPA and the City of Grand Rapids for making this event possible. Learn more about the Water to Work program on GRCC’s website