Festo Industry 4.0 Certification Program
FI4.0CP is a comprehensive certification program developed by industry experts and educators that ensures students have qualifying skills upon graduation, including soft skills such as effective communication, managing others and critical thinking. FI4.0CP is easily integrated with existing certificate, associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs, and offers four levels of certification.
- STEM Lab Certifications
- Level One | Fundamentals
- Level Two | Advanced Mechatronics
- Level Three | Industry 4.0
About Festo
Festo Didactic is a leading provider of technical education equipment and training. Festo’s educational solutions evolved from its world-class automation and engineering division and integrates the latest trends in each learning system it offers. The innovative product range allows educators and trainers to equip their classroom with the technology they need, from individual workstations to complete Learning Factories, as well as training and consulting, eLearning, courseware solutions, and LMS integration. www.festo-didactic.com
Growing a Network of Partner Schools Address the U.S. Labor Gap
“Certifications are increasingly important as rapid advancements in technology are sparking the rise of ‘smart’ connected work environments and the need for a highly skilled workforce,” said Thomas Lichtenberger, President and CEO of Festo Didactic. “With jobs of the future tied to Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), many employers are requiring certifications to demonstrate specialized skill sets that keep pace with industry growth.”
History of the Partnership
The quality and scope of the FI4.0CP courses and expert skill levels of trainers go a long way to help prepare students for jobs in manufacturing. During Festo Didactic’s first year of partnership with NC3, 40 instructors from across the U.S. received more than 100 certifications. That is, they became certified instructors to teach the F4.0ICP Level 1 programs at their schools. There are currently 18 schools where FI4.0CP is being implemented.
Value of the Partnership
Employers must work with educators in order to close the skills gap. At Festo Didactic, we partner with NC3 – the trusted certification accrediting body in the industry – to ensure students are well-trained and ready for technical careers. We do this by deploying the industry’s best trainers, designing a rigorous curriculum, and providing access to simulated smart factory equipment and learning systems. All Festo Didactic trainers go through NC3’s Train the Trainer program and come out with the ability to teach students (and their professors) how to operate sophisticated Industry 4.0 machinery. With FI4.0CP, colleges and universities can feel confident they’re providing students the best possible opportunity for career advancement.
Future of the Partnership
“The NC3/ Festo Didactic relationship has created an avenue to provide fundamental skills training to community college instructors. Our priority is to provide these instructors with the classroom tools that will help their students secure valuable technical positions and subsequently address the U.S. labor gap.“ said Alex Brookhouse, NC3 Project Manager.
Transform Your Program
Through the FI4.0CP program, students can horizontally or vertically stack certification credentials. Horizontal stacking allows students to train across a variety of topics, for a well-rounded Industry 4.0 education. Vertical stacking provides a more concentrated focus on a specialized technology area, moving through all three levels to complete individual certificates.
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Certifications
Level 1 - Fundamentals
Level 1 certification requires 200 hours in subjects including PLC Fundamentals, Electricity, Mechanical Systems, Industry 4.0 Fundamentals and more. Students receive 17 – 23 credits, as well as certificate(s). Careers available with a Level 1 certification include but are not limited to: electromechanical technicians, production technicians or industrial maintenance technicians, and typically start with an average salary of $40,000 a year.
Level 2 - Advanced Mechatronics
Level 2 certification requires 240 hours in subjects including Applied PLC, Applied Fluid Power, Maintenance Strategies and more. Students receive 35 – 47 credits, an associate’s degree and certificates. Careers available with a Level 2 certification include but are not limited to: mechatronics/automation technicians and CNC operator applications engineers, and typically start with an average salary of $67,000 a year.
Level 3 - Industry 4.0
Level 3 certification requires 300 hours in subjects including Advanced Robotics, Cyber Security, Smart Maintenance and more. Students receive 62 – 83 credits, dual associate’s degrees or a bachelor’s of science (BS). Careers available with a Level 3 certification include but are not limited to: Industry 4.0 operators/technicians and mechatronics engineers, and typically start with an average salary of $90,000 a year.
Current Festo NC3 Industry 4.0 Certifications
STEM Lab Certifications
Level 1 Fundamental Certifications
- Fundamentals of Industry 4.0
- Fundamentals of Fluid Power - Pneumatics/Hydraulics
- Fundamentals of Electricity - AC/DC
- Fundamentals of Robotics
- Fundamentals of Mechanical Systems
- Fundamentals of Sensor Technology
- Fundamentals of PLCs - Allen Bradley/Siemens
- Certified Industry 4.0 Associate - Fundamentals
Level 2 Advanced Mechatronics Certifications
Where Can I Use These Certifications?
Level 1
- Electromechanical Technician
- Production Technician
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
Level 2
- Mechatronics Technician
- Automation Technician
- Applications Engineer
Level 3
- Industry 4.0 Operator
- Industry 4.0 Technician
- Mechatronics Engineer
Lisa Marshall
NC3 Program Manager | Festo
Patrick Henry Community College:
Featured Case Study
Industry 4.0 Case Studies
Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, Virginia is the newest addition to the growing network of NC3/Festo Didactic partnership schools. FI4.0CP integrates with the college’s existing programs in mechatronics, industrial electronics technology, and general engineering technology and provides a globally recognized validation and certification of students’ skills in areas such as mechanical systems, electrical systems, pneumatic systems, programmable logic controllers, and robotic systems.
Read all about Patrick Henry's new Industry 4.0 program here
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