From Dublin, Ireland to Orlando: Colm O-Driscoll brings a lifetime of experience to the Robotics and Semiconductor Technician program

It might have been fate or a stroke of luck that Colm O’Driscoll found himself instructing the Robotics and Semiconductor Technician program, but the seasoned veteran in the manufacturing world is helping combat the technician shortage at a time when advanced manufacturing is booming in Central Florida.?

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland he studied mechanical engineering at Trinity College/Dublin Institute of Technology before receiving his M.S. in manufacturing systems engineering from Cranfield Institute of Technology in England.

His work brought him across the Atlantic Ocean to Ohio in the 1980’s where he focused on quality manufacturing and plant operations until he and his wife purchased a small automotive equipment company in 2007. O’Driscoll transitioned to a semi-retired life in 2020 but found himself wanting to give back after all the wisdom he acquired throughout the years.

“I reached out to Valencia College with the intent of teaching mathematics because, what did I know? I didn’t know there was Accelerated Skills Training,” O’Driscoll said.

At the time he didn’t realize the whole scope of the college but knew there was a campus near where he lives in Lake Nona. So, his whole focus was to teach mathematics especially since the Robotics and Semiconductor Technician program had yet to launch within the advanced manufacturing department.

“They called me back saying we’ve got this department over here doing advanced manufacturing and that brought me into the world of mechatronics,” O’Driscoll said.

Industrial Automation Technician - Mechatronics involves hydraulics, electricity, pneumatics and mechanical systems in the manufacturing setting, everything that O’Driscoll was working with for many years, so he jumped at the opportunity. When the Robotics and Semiconductor Technician program began rolling out it was a natural transition for him to take those reigns.

The program has really found its footing and is running two courses concurrently, a day and an evening class, and O’Driscoll sees the course as vital to combating technician shortages in an area that is looking for talent and will be clamoring for graduates in the near future.

“From my seat, the demand in the industry for technicians, with an aptitude for being able to understand the mechanical and electrical worlds and have the technical aptitude to troubleshoot things is enormous,” O’Driscoll said.

Since he began working in the industry decades ago there has been a need for technicians, it’s not necessarily a new issue. With trade schools being less abundant than they were in the past, O’Driscoll sees an incredible opportunity with Valencia College.

“Where we are today is that the technology and the demands are changing so quickly, the fact that Valencia is offering a condensed, comprehensive approach to teaching these skills that are necessary is crucial,” O’Driscoll said.

“From an industry side the message we have to get out is that we’re doing this, and these are the skills these students will have coming out of here, and also the certifications they’ve earned,” he continued.

Aside from the technical knowledge these students will come away with, they also pick up valuable soft skills like the importance of working in teams and meeting deadlines. It’s creating a graduate that boasts an entire package. They have essentially been working in a job setting for six months. And O’Driscoll believes the environment is rich for manufacturing potential.?

“In the U.S. there is a much greater emphasis on advanced manufacturing. I think we need to identify those skills required and I think we’re in a great place to do it, I really do.”

A key component is to make sure highly skilled employees are available for the workforce and O’Driscoll see Valencia College and these manufacturing programs as a driver for that.

“I believe they’re invaluable,” O’Driscoll said. “The growth is going to happen. We always hear about the need for skilled workforce. For every cohort coming through here we’re changing their lives from the point of view of the opportunities they have. The students are going to apply for jobs at companies where, prior to coming here, never in their wildest dreams would they have applied for those companies. We’re giving them a skillset that they can use to better their career and continue to grow.”

“For the company side,” O’Driscoll continued, “They can come here with confidence knowing that the graduates they are hiring are able to do the job.”