Articles tagged with "workforce-development"
Solving the labor crisis: How community colleges fuel the robotics workforce - The Robot Report
The article highlights the critical role community colleges play in addressing the skilled labor shortage in the robotics and automation industry. Unlike the common perception that four-year degrees are essential for high-tech careers, community colleges provide accessible, affordable, and targeted education for technicians who assemble, test, install, and maintain robots and automated machinery. Sierra College in Rocklin, California, serves as a prime example, offering mechatronics programs that combine electronics, mechanical theory, and hands-on lab experience to prepare students for well-paying, in-demand jobs. The college actively adapts its curriculum based on industry needs, such as scaling back automotive technician training to focus on essential skills aligned with local employer requirements. Local high-tech companies like Bosch have supported Sierra College by funding curriculum development in areas like high-voltage electronics and circuit design, ensuring students gain relevant skills such as PLC ladder logic and robot programming. The program benefits from strong industry partnerships, with companies participating in advisory committees to shape course content. The college’s acquisition of industrial robots
roboticsworkforce-developmentmechatronicsautomationSTEM-educationskilled-laborcommunity-collegesFesto Didactic celebrates Manufacturing Day, dedicates efforts to workforce development - The Robot Report
Festo Didactic, the vocational and technical training division of global automation company Festo SE, is celebrating its 100th anniversary alongside National Manufacturing Day, which launches Manufacturing Month in the U.S. Manufacturing Day, organized by the Manufacturing Institute, highlights modern factories and production technologies while promoting STEM education and addressing skilled labor shortages through events and job fairs. Ted Rozier, director of digital, advanced technology, and robotics at Festo Didactic, emphasized the company’s century-long innovation and its broad involvement in areas such as digitization and workforce development. Rozier discussed the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing, noting the importance of using AI thoughtfully to enhance production processes rather than viewing it as a threat. He highlighted the need for education around data classification, predictive maintenance, and the integration of AI tools to empower technicians and operators—currently among the most in-demand manufacturing roles—to make better decisions and improve efficiency. On workforce development, Rozier stressed the importance of teaching practical skills across educational
roboticsmanufacturingworkforce-developmentAI-in-manufacturingautomationindustrial-roboticsSTEM-educationOffshore Wind Workers Are Uncertain About The Industry's Future - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the uncertainty faced by offshore wind workers amid political opposition, particularly from the Trump administration, which has criticized and sought to limit offshore wind projects. Despite significant investments in infrastructure such as docks, terminals, and training programs, the administration’s stance threatens the progress and economic benefits generated by the industry. Offshore wind development has revitalized struggling port cities and provided blue-collar jobs, which ironically form a key part of Trump’s political base. Legal challenges have recognized the harm to workers, as seen in a ruling by Judge Royce Lamberth emphasizing the impact on over 1,000 employees involved in projects like Revolution Wind. A major challenge for the offshore wind sector is the shortage of an experienced workforce, with difficulties in hiring qualified personnel at all levels. The Trump administration’s focus on fossil fuels further hampers recruitment efforts, despite projections that offshore wind jobs will grow substantially through 2050, with demand for over 258,000 workers. To sustain industry growth, enhanced
energyoffshore-windrenewable-energywind-turbinesworkforce-developmentclean-energywind-power-industryARM Institute announces ARM Champions during annual member meeting - The Robot Report
The ARM Institute recently held its ninth annual member meeting, where it presented the 2025 ARM Champion Awards to recognize individual members who have significantly contributed to advancing U.S. manufacturing through robotics, autonomy, and artificial intelligence. The Pittsburgh-based ARM Institute, founded in 2017 and funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, is part of the Manufacturing USA network and includes over 450 members from industry, academia, and government. Its mission is to make advanced manufacturing technologies more accessible, empower the workforce, and strengthen national security and economic competitiveness. This year’s ARM Champions included representatives from prominent organizations such as Lockheed Martin, ThoughtForge AI, NIST, Southwest Research Institute, Siemens, and several universities and colleges. Yaskawa, a member company with previous honorees among its employees, sponsored the awards dinner. The event featured extensive networking, workshops, and demonstrations, including technology presentations and AR/VR workforce development activities. The ARM Institute emphasized collaboration and innovation as key themes, with
robotroboticsmanufacturingautomationARM-Instituteartificial-intelligenceworkforce-developmentNYCEDC to Unveil New York City's First Freight-Focused Electric Vehicle Charging Facility with the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center in the Bronx - CleanTechnica
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in partnership with MN8 Energy and other city and state officials, is set to unveil New York City’s first freight-focused electric vehicle (EV) charging facility at the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center in the Bronx. This new facility will serve multiple roles: a community-driven freight EV charging depot, a welcome center, and a workforce development hub. It aims to support clean energy innovation, create jobs, and strengthen community connections, aligning with the goals of the Hunts Point Forward plan. The project highlights a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders such as NYCEDC President Andrew Kimball, MN8 Energy Vice President Alan Dowdell, Volvo Group’s Dawn Fenton, NYSERDA’s David Sandbank, and local representatives like Councilmember Rafael Salamanca Jr. The facility will be located at the GrowNYC parking lot on Halleck Street and marks a significant step toward sustainable freight transportation and economic development in the Bronx. The official unveiling is scheduled for July
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-chargingclean-energysustainable-transportationworkforce-developmentNYCEDCARM Institute seeks developers for RoboticsCareer.org - The Robot Report
The ARM Institute, a Pittsburgh-based consortium funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and part of the Manufacturing USA network, is seeking developers to enhance RoboticsCareer.org, its national platform launched in 2021. RoboticsCareer.org serves as a comprehensive database connecting employers and job seekers with nearly 17,000 robotics training and education programs from over 2,400 providers across the U.S., aligned with the institute’s Robotics Competency Framework. Recent updates have improved employer features such as talent search automation, e-mail notifications, and endorsement badges for job seekers, based on input from more than 450 industry partners. The ARM Institute is now requesting proposals to develop an automated system to collect, validate, and maintain the extensive database, including program attributes like degree type and delivery format (online or hybrid). The system must support easy access for analytics and reporting. Proposals will be evaluated on technical approach, experience, accuracy, cost, scalability, and maintainability, with the ARM Institute retaining ownership of any
roboticsARM-InstituteRoboticsCareer.orgrobotics-trainingautomationmanufacturing-technologyworkforce-developmentJOB FAIR for Employers & Talent in the Solar Industry - CleanTechnica
GRID Alternatives is hosting the RE+ Las Vegas Job Fair on September 10th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Venetian Convention Center & Expo Hall in Las Vegas. This free, public event aims to connect diverse and motivated job seekers with local and national clean energy employers, facilitating access to careers in the solar and renewable energy sectors. The fair supports GRID’s mission to promote inclusive, equitable workforce development within the rapidly growing clean energy industry. The event is organized in partnership with RE+, WRISE, SEIA, and SEPA, with HSBC as the main sponsor. By bringing together a wide range of talent and leading clean energy companies, the job fair seeks to foster meaningful engagement that helps companies build stronger, more diverse teams capable of meeting industry demands. The initiative aligns with broader goals of ensuring a just transition to clean energy by expanding opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
energysolar-energyclean-energyrenewable-energyjob-fairworkforce-developmentsustainable-energyNYCEDC to Unveil New York City's First Freight-Focused Electric Vehicle Charging Facility with the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center in the Bronx - CleanTechnica
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in partnership with MN8 Energy and various city and state officials, is set to unveil New York City’s first freight-focused electric vehicle (EV) charging facility at the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center in the Bronx. This new development will include a community-driven EV charging depot, a multi-purpose welcome center, and a workforce development hub. The project aims to serve as a gateway for clean energy innovation, job creation, and stronger community connections, aligning with the goals of the Hunts Point Forward plan to revitalize the area. The facility will be located at the GrowNYC parking lot at 298 Halleck Street in the Bronx and is scheduled for unveiling on July 23, 2025. Key stakeholders involved in the announcement include NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball, MN8 Energy Vice President Alan Dowdell, Volvo Group/Mack Trucks Vice President Dawn Fenton, NYSERDA Senior Vice President David Sandbank, and New
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-chargingclean-energyworkforce-developmentsustainable-transportationNYCEDCPremier Automation launches innovation hub in Pennsylvania - The Robot Report
Premier Automation has launched the Premier Innovation Hub in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, aiming to serve as a national model for industrial automation, workforce development, and technology commercialization. Supported by over $3 million in state funding through grants, loans, and training programs, the facility is designed to bring together manufacturers, engineers, and innovators to accelerate automation and industrial advancement. The hub will expand Premier Automation’s manufacturing operations, host Premier Labs—a venture studio focused on launching companies in manufacturing automation and AI—and provide commercial lease space for industrial innovation firms. Premier Automation, based near Pittsburgh, specializes in industrial control systems, robotics integration, and custom automation solutions across sectors such as manufacturing, metals, energy, and material handling. The location leverages Westmoreland County’s skilled workforce, with experience in traditional industries like mining, steel, and glass, while benefiting from proximity to Pittsburgh’s innovation ecosystem in AI, robotics, and advanced engineering. The hub aims to bridge cutting-edge technologies with the practical needs of established manufacturing industries
robotindustrial-automationmanufacturing-technologyAI-innovationworkforce-developmentrobotics-integrationautomation-hubARM Institute appoints Jorgen Pedersen as new CEO - The Robot Report
robotroboticsmanufacturingAIautomationworkforce-developmentARM-InstituteGoogle Launches Ambitious Program To Train 100,000 Electrical Workers For The AI-Powered Future
energyAIworkforce-developmentclean-energyelectrical-traininginfrastructureinnovation