LAB Midwest

What does it take to prepare students for high-demand roles in #manufacturing? At Saint Paul College, the answer lies in a thoughtful combination of hands-on training, industry-grade equipment, and a curriculum built for today’s workforce needs (all from Amatrol). In their Electromechanical Systems program, students gain real-world skills in areas like: ?? Electricity, hydraulics, and pneumatics ?? Mechanical power transfer and PLC programming ?? Lifelong learning to adapt to evolving technologies With a majority of students already working in industry, the program is helping these individuals advance in their careers. ?? Watch this behind-the-scenes look with VA Hayman Barber & Travis Schachtner at how Saint Paul College-A Community and Technical College is making an impact in the community.

?? Celebrating the St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center Ribbon Cutting! ?? A remarkable partnership between ST. CROIX CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT and Northwood Technical College has brought this cutting-edge manufacturing center to life, addressing the critical demand for skilled workers in the manufacturing industry. This state-of-the-art facility, funded by the RESTORE initiative through a Workforce Innovation Grant, offers: ?? Training in robotics, mechatronics, CNC machining, and more. ?? Opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials, including a 14-credit Mechatronics technical diploma. ?? Customized training programs for local businesses and pathways for underserved communities. With over 1,200 participants expected by 2025, this initiative is shaping the future of workforce development. Kudos to all involved in making this vision a reality! #ManufacturingSkills #WorkforceDevelopment ?? https://lnkd.in/gyczJg_T

Last night was the ribbon cutting for Rocket Academy, a new charter school in Wisconsin that's 100% hands-on learning. Our own Michael Dietrich is President of the Board and was featured in this news segment celebrating the school! Huge congratulations to all who made this dream come to life: Chad Brakke, David Friend, partners at Lakeshore College, Lakeland University, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Cedar Grove-Belgium High School, all the industrial partners, and so many more! Video & story credit WTMJ ?? https://lnkd.in/gBNi9UN2 ?? Rocket Academy Dual Credit Advanced Technology Center

It's pretty incredible when the Governor stops by to see how students are learning industrial robotics, mechatronics and IIoT skills for advanced manufacturing careers ?? ??St. Croix Manufacturing Skills Center (ST. CROIX CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT + Northwood Technical College)

The new Learning Lab at ATECH has officially opened! Built through an industry-education collaboration between Amcor and Appleton Technical Academy, students will learn advanced manufacturing skills, earn SACA credentials, and participate in youth apprenticeships. The lab is fully equipped with robotics & mechatronics systems from Amatrol & FANUC America Corporation, with associated certifications from SACA - Smart Automation Certification Alliance. Watch & read the full story ?? https://lnkd.in/gUd5GivM

Iowa is fired up for #automation! ?? We had a packed house at Hawkeye Community College - educators, industrial employers and workforce development came together to learn how we can ?????????? ?????? ?????????????????????? to prepare the next generation of robotics & CNC talent. Incredible insights from our speaker lineup: Joe Baldiga, Kent Wolfe, David Ottavianelli, Michelle Barry, Ryan Smallfoot, Mohammed Albasri and Matt Kirchner. Huge thanks to all the partners who made this event a success! Hawkeye | FANUC America Corporation | APT Manufacturing Solutions | Cibelly Abrol | Hillary Anniss | Paul Aiello

Join us for a webinar on November 13th where we'll show cutting-edge 3D printing technology that takes your technical program to the next level! Hear from our all-star lineup of presenters (Matt Kirchner, Dani Mason and Brooks Jacobsen): ?? How B9Creations’ ultra-precision 3D printers bring unmatched speed and accuracy to rapid prototyping and production ?? Why multiple industries—from aerospace to healthcare—depend on this technology every day ?? Practical strategies for creating complex, functional parts with fine details ?? The impact on student engagement, skill development, and career readiness Sign up for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/gRA3zBJm B9Creations | Digital Manufacturing Technology | Lake Area Technical College

Schools are integrating AMRs into their programs to teach applied AI, robotics and automation, data analytics, systems integration, lean manufacturing concepts, and so much more!

Are you optimizing your workflow to boost productivity, eliminate waste, and keep value at the core of every process? Lean manufacturing isn’t just a set of practices—it’s a cultural shift that elevates efficiency and resilience across the entire operation. ?? Focus on delivering only what your customers value ?? Map every stage to pinpoint improvements ?? Keep production flowing, aligned with demand ?? Pull, don’t push: produce based on need, not assumptions ?? Strive for continuous improvement—it’s a journey, not a destination If you want to train your team in #leanmanufacturing, we can help! Read more: https://lnkd.in/gYhGKWAT

When students are lined up to get a chance to operate a #robot, you know you'e captured their attention ?? This is a little sneak preview of the new Industry 4.0 & robotics programs to be offered at ATECH (Appleton Technical Academy) in Wisconsin, where their motto is: Where high school meets high-tech manufacturing. How amazing is this?!