FANUC, Rockwell Automation Form Coalition for Robotics Apprenticeships
February 23, 2021
FANUC America and Rockwell Automation have formed a coalition aimed to accelerate work and learning apprenticeship programs designed to upskill current and future workers for jobs in advanced manufacturing, robotics and automation.
The coalition includes APT, a systems integrator for both companies, and NOCTI Business solutions, which provides independent assessments of occupational standards and validation using International Organization for Standardization (ISO) process validation methods. Another key partner, Franklin Apprenticeships, will ensure an apprenticeship support structure for employers and apprenticeships.
The coalition has developed new apprenticeship programs offering people opportunities to gain credentials in fundamental robotics (Robot Operator) and automation (PLC Operator). The program also will offer a second level of credentials for Robot and PLC Technicians. A third level, called Integration Specialist, builds on the fundamental and technical skills that will teach people to operate and troubleshoot integrated FANUC-Rockwell Automation technologies.
“Our number one goal is to help create a worker pipeline that will not only help people increase their skills and future earning potential, but to help manufacturers achieve their production goals and maintain a thriving economy,” said Paul Aiello, director of education for FANUC America. “In most cases, current and future workers can complete the apprenticeship skills training and achieve their industry-recognized certifications in less than one year. It’s also important to note that these programs support all types of apprenticeship and certification models, including pre-apprenticeships.”
In addition to improving the skills of current production workers, the programs will be valuable for engineers who are working to implement new automation systems and processes that require new employees to be trained in the latest automation technologies, the coalition said.
“As technology advances at a fast pace, it is important that companies play a bigger role in education to ensure a safe, productive and sustainable work environment,” said Aiello. “FANUC and our coalition look forward to helping as many people as possible take advantage of these accelerated work and apprenticeship programs.”
More than 40 companies, including Tyson Foods, Flex-N-Gate, Dana, and Magna, have agreed to support and participate in apprenticeships for automation technologies. More details on FANUC apprenticeships are available here.
