Chattanooga State’s Tennessee Technology Center (TTC), in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, will host an Open House at the Volkswagen Academy on March 17 at 6 p.m. The purpose of the open house is to provide information about the TTC’s Automotive Mechatronics Program. In addition, to a short presentation and a question and answer session, tours of the Academy will be conducted.

The TTC is now accepting applications for the fall 2011 Automotive Mechatronics Program (AMP). The Mechatronics program, which began in the fall of 2010, 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 and offers students a comprehensive learning environment that blends classroom and laboratory instruction with paid, on-the-job training experience in the Volkswagen assembly 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.”

The selection of students is through a competitive admissions process, and the deadline for applications is April 29th. However, students who apply by April 1 will have priority in the 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. To begin the admission process, interested individuals should review information about Automotive Mechatronics.

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend the Open House. To RSVP to the invitation, please call 296-2407.