JCC opens Watertown mechatronics lab tied to Micron workforce needs
Jefferson Community College opened its renovated mechatronics lab in Watertown on Oct. 23, creating a training site for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related programs.
By Caleb Mercer, ClickNNY North Country Desk
Jefferson Community College opened its renovated mechatronics lab Friday, Oct. 23, in the John Foster Dulles Building in Watertown. The facility is intended to prepare students for advanced manufacturing work, including potential jobs connected to Micron’s planned semiconductor plant near Syracuse.
The Dulles Building renovation cost more than $11 million, according to Empire State Development. The project included $8.3 million in direct state assistance, including a $4 million Next Move NY grant and $4.3 million through SUNY’s capital allocation. Jefferson County provided a $2.9 million local match.
Micron provided JCC with a $750,000 grant to support new mechatronics and semiconductor programming. The grant supports programming rather than construction of the lab, according to JCC.
The lab includes about $2 million in equipment, including robotics and hydraulics, JCC President Daniel Dupee said. JCC is holding boot camps to familiarize students with the technology and plans to begin credit-bearing mechatronics programs in fall 2027.
About half of the program seats are expected to be reserved for military and military-affiliated students, making the program relevant to Fort Drum service members and families. JCC also has an early-college plan with BOCES for high school students.
Micron broke ground on its first New York fabrication plant in January 2026. The company’s fiscal 2026 filing projects initial wafer output in calendar year 2030. JCC’s program is also intended to serve other advanced manufacturing employers, not only Micron.
Students seeking information about enrollment can contact JCC Public Relations at (315) 786-2392 or the college’s main line at 315-786-2200.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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