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ARC FAQ
ARC (Advanced Resource Center) is a resource focused on advancing workforce development, technical education, and career exploration in northwestern Minnesota. Through partnerships with Northland Community & Technical College, Marvin, local employers, and community organizations, ARC helps connect people to the skills, training, and opportunities they need to grow in modern manufacturing and technology fields. Click below to read answers to FAQs.
Who can use ARC?
High school students, adult learners, and current manufacturing employees looking to build or advance technical skills for today’s technology-driven workplaces.
Where is ARC located?
ARC is located at 201 Lake St. NE, Suite D in downtown Warroad, MN.
When is ARC open?
ARC is typically open weekdays during regular business hours. Please contact us before visiting to confirm current hours.
What educational programs are offered at ARC? What can I study at ARC?
At ARC, individuals can explore a variety of workforce and educational opportunities with emphasis on robotics, automation, industrial mechanics, and manufacturing. Youth age 17 – 21 may also want to check out Marvin’s STEM career-exploration summer program, Manufacturing Your Success.
Does ARC offer anything besides college classes?
Yes. While Mechatronics is the flagship program, Northland also offers short technical trainings in the summer. ARC also supports a Marvin youth STEM career-exploration program called Manufacturing Your Success.
What classes can I take at the ARC?
Classes at ARC include DC Power, Robotics Programming, Program Logic Controllers, Sensor Technology, Motor Controls, Mechanical Systems, Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Safety Awareness. A full list can be found here: https://www.northlandcollege.edu/academics/programs/mechatronics-
aas/course-listing/
Do I have to have a degree to enroll in classes at the ARC?
A minimum of a high school diploma or GED are required to enroll in the Mechatronics program. However, you do NOT need a degree to attend non-credit summer workshops or the Manufacturing Your Success program.
Is Northland Community and Technical College in Warroad?
Yes! They have a Mechatronics program and lab located conveniently on Lake Street in
downtown Warroad.
How much do the classes at ARC cost?
Mechatronics classes are estimated at $260 per credit. Classes are 2 – 4 credits, with cost per class ranging from $520 – $1,040. More information can be found here:
https://www.northlandcollege.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/
Northland technical trainings in the summer costs vary but have typically been $1,750 per training. Review previous trainings offered here:
https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/getclass/category_id/696/program_id/11/subcategory_id/6719
There is no cost to participate in the Manufacturing Your Success program. In this program, participants earn an hourly production wage and stipends for successfully completing the MSSC Certified Production Technician assessments.
How do I pay for classes?
You can pay for classes using financial aid, grants and scholarships such as the Workforce Development scholarship or North Star Promise scholarship, employer tuition assistance, loans, or personal funds.
Will my employer pay for my classes?
Possibly. Several area employers offer tuition assistance to full-time employees including Marvin, Polaris, DigiKey, and ANI Pharmaceuticals.
Does ARC offer any summer classes or trainings?
Yes. Northland offeres non-credit robotics and PLC workshops during the summer at ARC. Mechatronics classes are currently not offered during the summer, however, if you’re pursuing the Mechatronics 2-year degree, summer can be a good time to take online general education courses to fulfill degree requirements.
Can I take nursing classes at ARC?
Nursing programs are not currently offered at Northland’s lab location at ARC. However,
ARC does support Northland students with services for distance education. Please
inquire for more information.
Do I need manufacturing experience?
No, no manufacturing experience is needed.
What does a typical class look like?
The Mechatronics program uses a hybrid format, combining online learning with a hands-on lab portion. A typical class would start with logging into the D2L learning platform and doing the online learning and assignments whenever and wherever works for you, then going to the Mechatronics lab at the ARC to do the lab assignments during posted lab hours.
Why is Mechatronics the only program offered at ARC in Warroad?
A desire by local window-manufacturer Marvin to provide technical education and skill development, especially in robotics and automation, spurred the collaboration with Northland Community & Technical College to offer Mechatronics in Warroad.
Mechatronics FAQs
What is Mechatronics?
Simply put, Mechatronics is the intersection between the study of mechanical systems, electronic systems, and control systems providing individuals skills and knowledge to work with robotics and automation.
Can I do the Mechatronics program online?
You can do part of it online, but the hands-on portion must be completed in the lab.
When is the Mechatronics lab open?
The Mechatronics lab in Warroad is typically open Mondays and Tuesdays, 11am – 7pm; Wednesdays, 10am – 3pm; Thursdays, 4pm – 7pm; Fridays, 11am – 1pm and by appointment with instructors.
Why are manufacturers interested in automation and mechatronics skills?
Manufacturers are increasingly using advanced equipment, automation, and robotics to improve productivity, quality, and safety, creating demand for employees who can operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve these systems.
What if I’m mid-career? Is Mechatronics a good fit for me?
Yes. Mechatronics is an excellent fit for mid-career professionals who want to upskill, advance their careers, or prepare for the growing use of automation and robotics in manufacturing. You can start with a single class or certificate and build from there, making it a flexible option for working adults.
Which companies in the area want their employees to have this education?
Employers throughout Northwest Minnesota increasingly seek skills in automation, robotics, industrial maintenance, and advanced manufacturing. Organizations such as Marvin, Polaris, DigiKey, ANI Pharmaceuticals, and other regional manufacturers employ individuals with Mechatronics-related skills.
As manufacturing becomes more automated, employers are increasingly looking for workers with skills in mechanics, electrical systems, robotics, automation, and industrial maintenance.
Where are the jobs available?
If you want to live in northwestern Minnesota, there are ample employment opportunities for people with this skillset.
Who are the Mechatronics classes for?
Mechatronics classes might be a good fit for you if you enjoy machinery and tinkering, electrical systems, circuits and wiring, and technology such as programming, robotics, and automation and control systems.
Why should I do the Mechatronics program?
Not only is Mechatronics a great fit for people who enjoy combining hands-on technical skills with technology, but it is also a highly valued skillset as manufacturers increasingly use automation and robotics to improve efficiency, productivity, and reliability.
How do I get more information on the Mechatronics Program?
To get more information, contact Kim Hruba, ARC Program Manager at kim@warroadarc.com or call (218) 386-4121.
Can I still do the Mechatronics program even if I wasn’t a good high school student?
Yes. Many successful Mechatronics students are returning adults or hands-on learners who didn’t excel in a traditional classroom setting. If you’re willing to learn, solve problems, and work with technology, machinery, and automation, Mechatronics can be a great fit.
How long does it take to earn Mechatronics certificates or degree?
The Mechatronics program was designed with flexibility for busy students in mind. The certificates can take 3-4 semesters to complete. The Mechatronics diploma or Associate’s degree can take 4-8 semesters depending on courseload.
What is the time commitment for this program?
Most students should plan for lab time and independent study each week. The exact commitment depends on the number of credits taken each semester. Students working full time often begin with one or two classes and build from there.
The program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing many working adults to build new skills while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
If I start with one class or certificate, can I continue later?
Yes. You can begin with an individual course or certificate and continue building toward additional certificates or a degree as your career goals and schedule allow.
How much can Mechatronics graduates earn?
Compensation for Mechatronics-related careers varies widely depending on the position, employer, and level of experience.
Graduates often enter fields such as industrial maintenance, automation, robotics, and manufacturing technology, where wages are generally competitive and can increase significantly with additional training and experience.
For the most current wage data, visit the Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics tool: https://mn.gov/deed/data/data-tools/oes/.
Do I need the 2-year Mechatronics AAS degree to get a good job?
Not necessarily. Northland’s certificate options in Automation, Industrial Mechanics, and Certified Production Technician provide industry-relevant skills that are highly valued by manufacturers. Many students use these certificates to gain employment quickly or upskill in their current roles.
The Mechatronics AAS degree, however, offers a broader foundation across mechanical, electrical, automation, robotics, and control systems, which may open the door to additional career opportunities and advancement over time.
Opportunities for High School Students
Can high school students take Mechatronics classes?
Yes. High school students, including homeschool, can take Mechatronics classes through Post Secondary Education Options (PSEO).
What is PSEO?
PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options) is a Minnesota program that allows eligible 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to earn college credits while still in high school, often at no cost for tuition, fees, and required textbooks; learn more from the Minnesota Department of Education here:
Which Mechatronics classes can I take through PSEO?
Students can take the Certified Production Technician classes and DC Power, with possibility to take more advanced coursework. Students and families should meet with a Mechatronics instructor for guidance.
Do I have to be a good high school student to take Mechatronics classes through PSEO?
While you must meet the college’s PSEO eligibility requirements, success in Mechatronics is often more about your interest in learning, problem-solving, and hands-on technical work than having perfect high school grades.
Review PSEO eligibility requirements here: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/ccs/pseo/023615
Manufacturing Your Success Program
What is the name of that program Marvin does in the summer for high school students?
Manufacturing Your Success STEM Explorer Program is the name of the Marvin summer program for youth age 17 – 21.
Do I have to be in high school to do the program?
No. Program participants can be age 17 to 21.
Why should I apply to the Manufacturing Your Success program?
Manufacturing Your Success is a unique opportunity to get paid while exploring careers, building technical and professional skills, earning an industry-recognized credential, and gaining real-world experience at Marvin that can help prepare you for future education and career opportunities.
Will this program help me get a job at Marvin?
The program includes a part-time production position at Marvin, while providing career exploration with a STEM/manufacturing lens. Success in the program and student interest can be factors for exploring future employment opportunities at Marvin.
What kinds of jobs could this program prepare me for?
You’ll explore a variety of STEM-related and manufacturing careers while building the technical, professional, and workplace skills that employers look for in production, quality, manufacturing technology, and related technical fields.
What is the time commitment for this program?
The program runs during the summer months, June – August, Monday through Thursday from 7:30am – 4:00pm with a break between 12pm – 1pm.
What if I have no manufacturing experience?
No prior manufacturing experience is required. The program is designed to help students build skills step-by-step, whether they are new to manufacturing or looking to advance their current career.