JVCTC Opens Mechatronics Lab for 2026 Term

Bismarck State Partnership Offers College Credits to High Schoolers

The collaboration with Bismarck State College stands as a cornerstone of the updated curriculum, leveraging the college's reputation as a leader in energy and technical education in the upper Midwest. Bismarck State College, known for its National Energy Center of Excellence, brings a level of academic rigor and industry connection that is difficult for high schools to replicate in isolation. Their involvement ensures that the JVCT curriculum meets industry standards, specifically those set by the North Dakota workforce and major industrial employers. Instructors from the college will work closely with Jamestown teachers to align pedagogical methods and assessment criteria. This alignment guarantees that the high school course matches the college version in quality and content, ensuring that no learning is lost in the transition between institutions.

Students who complete the program earn credits that transfer directly to the state college system, a feature that provides immense flexibility for future academic pursuits. This seamless pathway is a major draw for students planning to pursue engineering degrees or technical certifications after high school. The Mechatronics certificate typically requires one year of full-time study at the college level, involving roughly 30 credit hours of coursework. JVCT students compress this into two years of high school, taking advantage of the extended time frame to master the material without the pressure of a condensed college semester. Bismarck State College supplies the curriculum standards, syllabi, and even the final assessments, maintaining the integrity of the credential. Credits transfer to state universities, meaning a student could theoretically start at JVCT, finish a certificate at BSC, and transfer to a university like North Dakota State University to pursue a four-year engineering degree with a significant head start. The program specifically targets high-demand automation jobs, focusing on the skills that employers are currently struggling to find.

The partnership removes the redundancy often found between high school and college tech programs. In traditional paths, students might take introductory mechanics or electricity in high school, only to be forced to retake similar introductory courses in college due to credit incompatibility. Students in this program will not have to retake basics they have already mastered. This accelerates their entry into the workforce or advanced degree programs, saving them both time and tuition money. Officials said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to workforce development, a priority for both the K-12 system and the North Dakota University System. The college gains a pipeline of prepared students who are already familiar with the expectations of higher education and technical training. The high school gains access to expensive equipment and expertise it could not afford alone, sharing resources for mutual benefit.

The Advanced Manufacturing field is changing rapidly, driven by the advent of Industry 4.0—the fourth industrial revolution characterized by the interconnectivity of machines. Automation now controls everything from food processing to oil extraction, and the complexity of these systems requires a new breed of technician. North Dakota's economy relies heavily on these sectors, and a workforce skilled in maintaining and programming these machines is essential to maintaining the state's economic competitiveness. The Mechatronics program teaches students how to keep these systems running, focusing on the integration of mechanical, electrical, and software components. Troubleshooting is a key component of the training. Students learn to diagnose problems in complex integrated systems, using logic meters and diagnostic software to pinpoint failures. This skill set commands high wages in the current labor market, often exceeding the average median income for four-year degree graduates in the region.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics supports this growth projection, indicating that jobs for mechatronics technicians and electro-mechanical technicians are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. The program at JVCT places students on the leading edge of this trend, providing them with the skills that will be in demand for the foreseeable future. It provides a competitive advantage not just for employment, but for career advancement. The partnership also includes professional development for JVCT staff. Teachers will receive training on the latest industrial technologies directly from BSC faculty and industry partners. This ensures they remain current in their field, a critical factor in technical education where obsolescence is a constant threat. Education experts emphasized the importance of up-to-date instructor knowledge, noting that technology evolves too quickly for static teaching methods. The collaboration creates a loop of continuous improvement; as industry changes, the curriculum adapts. This responsiveness is the hallmark of modern career and technical education.

Beyond the technical skills, the program is not just about machines; it teaches problem-solving and critical thinking. Students must analyze system failures, propose solutions, and implement repairs under time constraints. These soft skills are highly valued by employers, often more so than specific technical knowledge which can be taught on the job. The certificate proves a student has mastered a rigorous set of technical competencies, serving as a verified stamp of approval from a trusted institution. College administrators praised the initiative, viewing it as a model for other districts to follow. The hope is to replicate this success across the state, creating a network of dual-credit mechatronics programs that feed into the state's technical colleges. The 2026 launch serves as a pilot for broader expansion, and early indicators suggest the program will reach capacity quickly. Interest from other school districts in the region has already been expressed, with some exploring transportation options to send their students to Jamestown. JVCT may eventually offer seats to students outside the immediate Jamestown area, which would further solidify its role as a regional technical hub.

The economic ripple effects of such programs are significant. A skilled local workforce attracts new businesses to the area, as companies prioritize locations with available talent. It also encourages existing companies to expand operations, knowing they can staff their new lines with qualified technicians. The return on investment for the community is high, as technical graduates often stay in the region, contributing to the local tax base and economy. The cost of the program is shared by the school district and the college, maximizing the utility of taxpayer dollars. State grants also support the initiative, specifically the CTE (Career and Technical Education) grants aimed at high-demand fields. Funding for career and technical education has been a priority in the recent legislative session, with lawmakers recognizing the direct link between education and economic vitality. The JVCT partnership is a direct beneficiary of this policy focus. The start of classes this week is the first tangible result of that funding, turning legislative intent into educational reality. Students will begin logging hours on the new training equipment immediately. The hands-on nature of the course requires consistent practice to build muscle memory and intuitive understanding of machine behavior. The lab is designed to function like a factory floor, complete with safety zones, lockout/tagout stations, and personal protective equipment requirements. Safety protocols are strictly enforced, teaching students that in the industrial world, safety is a culture, not just a rule. Students learn to operate machinery with precision and care, respecting the power and potential danger of the equipment. This discipline prepares them for the expectations of future employers, who prioritize safety records above almost all else. The transition from student to professional begins on day one.

Marinkovits Leads Precision Machining Push Amid Labor Shortage

In the skilled trades wing, Mr. Walt Marinkovits prepares for another year of teaching Precision Machining and Welding, a program that serves as the mechanical backbone for the new Mechatronics initiative. Marinkovits is a veteran instructor with decades of industry experience, having worked in tool and die shops and manufacturing plants before transitioning to education. He oversees one of the most popular programs at the center, known for producing graduates who are immediately employable in fabrication shops across the state. His classroom looks less like a school and more like a production shop, filled with manual lathes, CNC mills, and welding booths. The smell of cutting oil and the sound of lathes fill the air, creating an atmosphere of industry that many students find grounding and engaging. Students learn to transform raw metal into precision components, understanding the properties of different materials and the physics of cutting and shaping. Tolerances are measured in thousandths of an inch—about the thickness of a human hair. One mistake can ruin an expensive part, teaching students the value of patience, precision, and attention to detail.

Marinkovits emphasizes that while the new Mechatronics lab focuses on the "brains" of the machine—the sensors, the programming, and the electronics—his shop focuses on the "brawn" and the skeletal structure of industrial equipment. He argues that a good technician must understand both. You cannot program a robot to mill a part if you do not understand how the cutting tool interacts with the metal. Consequently, there is a planned synergy between the machining program and the new Mechatronics track. Mechatronics students will likely spend time in Marinkovits's shop learning the fundamentals of part fabrication, while machining students will be introduced to the automation controls that drive their CNC machines. This cross-pollination of skills creates a more versatile graduate, capable of working in integrated environments.

The labor shortage in precision machining is acute. As older machinists retire, they take with them decades of tribal knowledge that is difficult to replicate in textbooks. Marinkovits is racing against time to pass on his expertise to the next generation. He notes that the trade has changed dramatically since he started. It used to be about manual dexterity and "feeling" the machine; now, it is about reading digital readouts, understanding G-code, and interfacing with computer-aided design (CAD) software. However, the fundamentals of geometry and trigonometry remain the same. Marinkovits spends a significant portion of his time teaching math concepts in a practical context, showing students how to calculate angles and offsets that they will encounter on the job. This applied learning approach helps students who often struggle with abstract math concepts in a traditional classroom setting.

The welding component of his program also plays a crucial role in regional industry, particularly in the agricultural and energy sectors. Repairing farm equipment, welding pipelines, and fabricating structural steel are all high-demand skills. Marinkovits certifies students in various welding processes, including MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, giving them a portfolio of certifications they can present to employers. He maintains high standards, refusing to pass a student whose welds would fail an x-ray inspection. This commitment to quality has earned the respect of local employers, who often call Marinkovits directly looking for recommendations when they have open positions. The relationship between the classroom and the local economy is palpable here; the projects students work on are often donated by local businesses or are repairs for community organizations, providing real-world experience and a service to the community at the same time. As the 2026 term begins, Marinkovits is excited about the expansion but remains focused on the basics. He knows that no matter how advanced the automation becomes, the industry will always need skilled craftsmen who can shape metal with precision and integrity.

Regional Industry Embraces Dual-Credit Pipeline

The launch of the Mechatronics lab is not occurring in a vacuum; it is the result of intense pressure and advocacy from regional industry leaders who have struggled to maintain a workforce in the face of demographic shifts and low unemployment. Major employers in the Jamestown area, ranging from agricultural implement manufacturers to food processing plants, have been vocal participants in the advisory boards that guide the curriculum at JVCT. These businesses have provided critical input on the specific skills they need, ensuring that the program is not just academically sound but commercially viable. In many cases, these companies have pledged to offer internships and apprenticeships to students in the program, creating a direct pipeline from the classroom to the payroll.

This symbiotic relationship addresses the "skills mismatch" that plagues the labor market. Employers often report that they have jobs but lack applicants with the right skills. Conversely, students often graduate without a clear understanding of what high-paying jobs are available in their own backyard. By bringing industry directly into the educational planning process, JVCT is bridging this gap. The curriculum includes "soft skills" training emphasized by employers, such as punctuality, teamwork, and communication. These are the skills that often determine whether a new hire keeps a job, regardless of their technical prowess. Industry partners have also assisted in the procurement of equipment, donating surplus machinery or offering discounts on purchases. This support lowers the cost burden on the school district and ensures that students are training on the same equipment they will encounter in the workforce, rather than outdated educational models.

The economic impact of this program extends beyond the individual students to the broader regional economy. A study by the North Dakota Department of Commerce suggests that for every advanced manufacturing job created, several support jobs are generated in the community. By training workers locally, JVCT helps retain population in rural North Dakota, countering the trend of young people leaving the state for larger cities. When students graduate with a high-value credential and a connection to a local employer, they are more likely to stay, buy homes, and raise families in the region. This demographic stability is vital for the long-term health of small