THORS eLearning solutions and The University of Akron announce the launch of certificate of completion programs in manufacturing disciplines

THORS eLearning Solutions, the manufacturing industry's digital training hub, and The University of Akron (UA), a prominent urban public research university in Northeast Ohio, are pleased to announce the launch of certificate of completion programs in multiple manufacturing disciplines such as Metal Castings, Forgings, Mechanical Power Transmission, Mobility, Engineering Drawings and Quality.  

The certificate of completion programs in the series have come to fruition as result of the partnership between THORS and UA. 

“This collaboration has democratized manufacturing education; it empowers individuals, across the globe, to obtain a certificate from a renowned university in the United States,” says Senthil Kumar, founder of THORS eLearning Solutions, and UA graduate. “The benefits of this program are threefold—making manufacturing knowledge accessible to new entrants into industry, supplementing current education to those enrolled in the University, and contributing to the professional development of experienced employees.”  

The self-paced certificate of completion programs are available to companies and individuals. Each certificate program is a curated collection of modules and takes approximately 15 hours to complete. The modules are developed with insights from subject matter experts from world-class manufacturing companies and renowned individuals across various industry domains — and have been designed adopting robust instructional design practices. The modules are visual and interactive with high learner engagement and are appealing to the modern learner. The THORS model combines science and industry practice to rapidly increase the Manufacturing IQ® of learners. 

“These programs speed up the learning curve for new employees and set a solid foundation for existing team members,” adds Kumar.  

UA has been a longtime leader in preparing individuals for careers in manufacturing with degree programs in Automated and Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology. The new certificate of completion programs will allow individuals already working in industry to obtain additional career-focused educational opportunities in highly specific technical areas.  

“This partnership just makes good sense for our students and our manufacturing community,” says Dr. Craig Menzemer, dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science at UA. “Highly specialized technical skills continue to be in-demand by employers. Individuals working in manufacturing in the region or around the world will be able to enhance their skills and further their careers without even leaving home.”    

Regional companies, like ELLWOOD Engineering Castings in Hubbard, Ohio, sing the praises of the training program and the impact it has had on employees.  

“My entire workforce is grateful for the introduction and utilization of the THORS training platform,” says Pat Callihan, president of ELLWOOD Engineered Castings and ELLWOOD Aluminum in Hubbard, Ohio. “The retirements of some of our long-tenured and skilled team members make this training all the more critical to ensure the timely production of high-quality products. We look forward to the next step and engaging with The University of Akron to provide our team members with industry specific certifications.”   

Click here to learn more or to sign up for available courses. 

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu