Chattanooga State’s Tennessee Technology Center (TTC), in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, is now accepting applications to be admitted into the 2012 Automotive Mechatronics Program (AMP). Two classes of twelve students each will be admitted for the summer and fall semesters. The summer session has a March 30 deadline for classes that begin on May 15. The deadline to apply for the fall session is July 13 with classes beginning on August 27.

Mechatronics program, which is now in its third year, was developed out of the partnership between the Tennessee Technology Center and the Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations. This one-of-a-kind, three-year program is housed at the Volkswagen Academy. The program offers students a comprehensive learning environment that blends classroom and laboratory instruction with paid, on-the-job training experience in the Volkswagen plant.

According to Dr. Mike Ricketts, dean of the Tennessee Technology Center Division, “The Automotive Mechatronics Program involves hands-on-training in mechanical systems, electricity, electronics, machining, welding and automated systems. During the on-the-job training semesters, students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in classroom to an industrial setting.”

Prospective students are encouraged to attend an Information Session and Open House at the Volkswagen Academy on Wednesday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. (EST). After a short presentation and a question and answer session, tours of the Academy will be conducted. To RSVP to the Open House invitation, please call (423) 296-2407.

The selection of students is through a competitive admissions process. Financial Aid is available and Tennessee residents are eligible to apply for the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant, which awards students a maximum of $2,000 a year.