Trine University offers Foundation Fieldbus certified courses

Summary

August 7, 2012 - Trine University is one of only seven FOUNDATION-certified training institutions in the world, and now it is the first to offer the FOUNDATION Certified Professional course using a hybrid delivery method -- classroom, hands-on lab training combined with online lectures and tests.

The FOUNDATION Certified Professional Certificate is geared toward engineers, designers, main instrumentation controls contractors, and startup and commissioning specialists wanting to increase their knowledge base of design, planning and implementation of FOUNDATION systems. Until recently, this vendor-neutral, comprehensive full-week course at Trine University was a hands-on class that covered all areas of Fieldbus instrumentation: design, installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting.

“According to a recent ARC report, Foundation fieldbus accounted for nearly three-quarters of the total digital process fieldbus marketplace in 2011. ARC also predicts ongoing expansion of the market for process fieldbus products and solutions, with continued double-digit growth over the next five years,” the FOUNDATION’s website, www.fieldbus.org, stated.

In order to meet this anticipated growth, make training more accessible and reduce costs for trainees, Trine is continuing to implement significant changes. By decreasing the time students spend on campus from five to four days, the latest change allows double the time for hands-on learning, which affords students a greater experience. They will learn more in the way of installation methods, diagnostic tools and troubleshooting methods. In addition, trainees can remain in the workplace while accessing lectures and tests online. Students have access to “chat rooms” to discuss points or ask questions.  This hybrid delivery method is more accommodating to potential foreign and domestic students.

The FOUNDATION Certified Support Specialist and Technical Specialist courses will also be available in the hybrid format in October 2012. A fourth FOUNDATION certified course (Installation) will be available in 2014.

“A critical component to the success of fieldbus training at Trine University is our instructor Dave Lancaster. Through his excellence in teaching, curriculum development, and 44 years of experience in the engineering and contractor business, Dave is an invaluable asset,” said Mersiha Alic, program director. “In addition, he secured over $250,000 of donations in lab equipment from a variety of vendors, expanding the size of the new lab at Trine’s Regional Campus in Indianapolis, allowing high-quality, vendor neutral training.”

Trine University, an internationally recognized, private, co-educational, residential institution, offers associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees in programs to students in engineering, mathematics, science, informatics, business, teacher education, communication, criminal justice, golf management, social sciences, and various other fields of study. Trine is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and offers 21 varsity sports. Its golf program includes the university-owned 18-hole championship Zollner Golf Course. Founded in 1884 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Trine operates a 450-acre main campus in Angola, Ind., and education resource centers throughout the state.