A Kids to Love program, KTECH is now one of only 25 Siemens Certified Partner Schools in the United States. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – KTECH, a workforce training initiative of Kids to Love, has received official certification as a Siemens partner school for the Siemens Mechatronic System Certification Program.

Only 25 schools in the United States have earned certification as a Siemens Partner School. The Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program is the international industry standard for comprehensive skills in this field.

Mechatronics is a blend of mechanical systems and electronics. Teaching this course allows KTECH to fill a gap between the advanced manufacturing industry and a certified employment pool.

“Our KTECH students graduate our program with an internationally recognized certification, which gives them a great advantage in the job market,” Dorothy Havens said. Havens works as Director of Workforce Development for Kids to Love.

“Now, as a Siemens Partner School, this increases our credibility with our industry partners,” Havens said.

“The skills needed to succeed in advanced manufacturing are increasingly technical and complex,” Lyndsay Ferguson said. Ferguson works as Workforce Director for Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

“This recognition of the KTECH program by Siemens enables a hiring manager to know exactly what knowledge, skills and abilities a graduate has to offer upon completion of the program,” Ferguson said. “That is critical in today’s competitive environment. Our community’s advanced manufacturing workforce needs will continue to grow for the foreseeable future.”

KTECH’s inaugural class included five students — all employed in less than a month after graduation. Additionally, every student in the class passed the Siemens certification exam.

KTECH is currently operating a night class teaching Mechatronics. A third class is set to begin by early September.

Lee Marshall is Founder/CEO of Kids to Love Foundation. Headquarters are at 140 Castle Drive in Madison. For an application for KTECH, call 256-880-3455 or visit kidstolove.org.