In 2004, Central Community College (CCC) established the Mechatronics Education Center (MEC), a regional center of excellence, to help the state address the shortage of skilled technicians in the area of industrial automation. The MEC addresses the needs of the current and future workforce through the implementation of its three main components: (1) An AAS degree program in Mechatronics/Industrial Technology; (2) short-term technical training; and (3) educator professional development and outreach. By partnering with all of Nebraska's Community Colleges, the MEC provided over 140 short-term technical training programs to 1,500 incumbent workers. In all, the MEC team has presented over 285 awareness sessions to more than 14,000 people in 12 different states and Europe. In addition, community and technical colleges in 12 states have consulted with the MEC team regarding their program.