As an Aidex technical sales rep, Justin Chittick has visited almost every Illinois high school and community college. What question do you think he’s heard the most?
“Industry is requesting that my students get hands-on experience in robotics; can you help me with that?”
This is followed by, “Will they be able to get certified?”
He’s not surprised, either; robotics and advanced manufacturing are among the hottest career fields.
The U.S. Department of Labor has classified robotics engineers and technicians as “bright outlook” careers.
Naturally, schools want to be aligned with workforce demands. So do students – especially those who want to start careers straight out of high school or when they get their degree. As a result, preparing students for careers in advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and robotics is more important than ever. Sure, you can teach your students robotics, but what does that really mean? Schools want their curriculum to apply to industry needs and prove their students can get the job done for industry. Schools want their students to walk away with a nationally recognized industry-based certification.
Want a national certification in robotics? FANUC America delivers!
FANUC America, the world leader in robotics, CNC systems, and factory automation listened to education and industry partners when they announced the introduction of four new national training certifications for robotics and advanced automation manufacturing. The certifications are the first ever for robot operations, programming, and integrated vision.
National certifications are as good as gold for students! Here’s what a national robotics certification can do for a student:
• Their training/degree is far more valuable with a national certification attached.
• They are job-ready and more appealing to employers because their skills are aligned with the advanced automation technologies in the real world.
• Because certification training is standardized, training is more uniform and carefully measured; student skill sets are likewise more uniform and measurable.
• Because these certifications are based on using FANUC robotics technology, students can enroll in more advanced FANUC training programs post-graduation, setting them apart.
A national certification built on real-world experience
These robotics certifications are the result of an 18-month collaboration between more than 150 subject matter experts from FANUC America, industry, automation system integrators, and leading advisors and instructors from high schools, community colleges, and universities. Working with NOCTI Business Solutions, FANUC America then developed these four industry-recognized national certification programs:
• Two levels of FANUC Certified Robot Operator (FCR-O1 & FRC-O2)
• Two levels of FANUC Certified Technician (FCR-T1 & FCR-T2)
Students who earn the new certifications are qualified to fill a variety of high-demand and high-paying careers in robotics and advanced manufacturing.
FANUC CERT training is offered at high schools, CTE programs, technical and community colleges, and universities. Over 640 education providers offer the CERT program; which represents the largest network of schools providing hands-on applied technology in manufacturing automation.
When asked what he thought about the new robotics certifications, Jon Potter, FANUC-Robotics district manager for CERT, said the response has been “fantastic.” While no students have earned certification yet – the program started last January – exams are coming up, which will result in the inaugural class of students with national certifications as robot operators and technicians.
That’s great news for everyone interested in filling the pipeline of well-prepared job candidates – and for customers in Illinois!
