University of Kentucky introduces four new engineering pathways for students from Kentucky Community and Technical College System

The University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System have come together to create four new engineering pathways for students to enter into the university’s Lean Systems Engineering Technology bachelor degree program. In 2021, the university received a grant from Toyota that facilitated the establishment of the Fujio Cho Department of Engineering Technology, which itself established engineering technology programs in partnership with Bluegrass Community and Technical College. These new engineering pathways are an expansion of that partnership, providing even more students within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System the ability to seamlessly join the university’s Lean Systems Engineering Technology bachelor degree program.

According to an article on the University of Kentucky’s website, Eli Capilouto, the university’s president, was quoted as saying of the partnership and its new pathways, “At the University of Kentucky, we know we can do more for our state when we work with partners who share our mission — to advance Kentucky. Together, we can leverage our strengths and expand access across the state to critical opportunities like engineering education, preparing more Kentucky students to meet the urgent workforce needs of our advanced manufacturing industries. Our partnership with KCTCS is a testament to the power of collaboration, and we look forward to what we will continue to make possible, together.” 

KCTCS President Ryan Quarles added, “Broadening access to four-year degrees will prepare more of our students for employment and career success. Creating seamless transfer pathways with partners like the University of Kentucky ensures that KCTCS is doing its part to improve the employability and quality of life of the citizens of the Commonwealth and to bolster the state’s workforce.”

The four new transfer pathways into UK’s Lean Systems Engineering Technology bachelor degree program are AAS in Industrial Maintenance Technology: Automotive Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC) Track to LST, AAS in Industrial Maintenance Technology: Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) Track to LST, AAS in Industrial Maintenance Technology — Industrial Maintenance Technology (IMT) Track to LST, and AAS in Manufacturing Engineering Technology: Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET) to LST. Students will earn their associate degrees from Bluegrass Community and Technical College, and then will enter into the university’s Lean Systems Engineering Technology program to earn their bachelor degree.

Nelson Akafuah, Ph.D., the chair of the Fujio Cho Department of Engineering Technology, said, “The demand for increasingly advanced skills in manufacturing requires expanding the engineering pipeline. In the ever-evolving world of manufacturing — where manufacturers must connect, predict and adapt to transition from developing products to engineering experiences — a unique skill set in continuous improvement and creative problem-solving is needed.”

Depending on which transfer pathway students complete, they can gain skills in automotive systems and maintenance processes, advanced manufacturing, machinery, electronics, and more, all before entering into the bachelor degree program, which will provide students with the knowledge to reduce waste and streamline processes.

Rudy Buchheit, Ph.D., the Dr. Rebecca Burchett Liebert Dean of the Pigman College of Engineering, noted, “By creating more feeder-completer programs with KCTCS, we’re ensuring that motivated students in every corner of the state can see themselves completing an engineering degree. This is good for students, good for industry and good for Kentucky’s future.”

For more information about the University of Kentucky, visit the school’s website.