LENEXA, KAS. — The International Association of Operative Millers (I.A.O.M.) and Cowley College announced on Aug. 30 that they are offering a new milling technician certificate program: Milling Technician Vocational Certificate Program. The program is being offered at Cowley College but the entire program is offered on-line via distance learning except for the internship.
The program is a combination of mechatronics and milling courses. Studies during the two semesters of college credit courses will include basic math needed for the mill environment, as well as an overview of equipment, electronics and electricity, and pneumatic fundamentals.
Students will be introduced to the milling process, wheat characteristics, the industry, and the various requirements of the gradual reduction process in making wheat flour. Quality assessments will be an integral part of studies, the I.A.O.M. said. At the conclusion of the courses, candidates will complete a 250-hour internship at a commercial flour mill.
The certificate program has been accredited through the Kansas Board of Regents. There are currently six students enrolled, four are current employees at flour mills in the United States. It is a one year program.
Funding for the courses was provided primarily by the International Milling Education Foundation. The development of the courses for the certificate program was done by Jeff Gwirtz, chief executive officer, JAG Services, Inc., I.A.O.M.’s education committee, and Tom Sargent, I.A.O.M.’s director of professional development.
For full course descriptions and enrollment information, click here.
