With Veteran’s Day upon us, I’m reminded Veterans often possess the technical aptitude to flourish in advanced manufacturing careers. They also have a strong work ethic, team spirit, and communication skills needed for successful outcomes. One way to express gratitude for and support veterans is to provide opportunities and pathways to well-paid manufacturing careers. Since 2017, the ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute has been helping existing military members and transitioning veterans move into robotics and automation careers by funding training programs that define robotics careers pathways in manufacturing. Plus, the organization makes training more accessible for veterans and the public through the institute’s national workforce resource, RoboticsCareer.org. A Department of Defense Manufacturing Innovation Institute and part of the Manufacturing USA network, the ARM Institute fosters collaboration among manufacturing companies, automation suppliers, government entities, universities, and workforce training providers. The institute has representation in many industry sectors, including automotive, aerospace, defense, textiles, agriculture, technology, and logistics. The ARM Institute works with different organizations on projects to connect people to workforce training for three career pathways with increasing complexity and skills requirements: robotics technician, robotics specialist, and robotics integrator. In addition, ARM has funded special programs focused on providing manufacturing careers for veterans. “Manufacturing technology cannot grow without the advancement of robotic careers,” says Matt Rosenberger, Membership Development Representative for ARM Institute. “With the labor shortage, one of the first places we should look at is our veterans and taking care of them as they transition back into civilian life.” One ARM Institute project, called Industry 4.0 Academy, offers military personnel six months of virtual training from any military base. With completion of training, candidates have a shorter time to full occupational competency and receive job placement assistance during the final months of active duty. Dallas County Community College District, Factory Unlocked, Prens, and Fivestar Development collaborate on this project with the ARM Institute. The ARM Institute also funded a project with the Program, which was in partnership with the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS)Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS). Transitioning military personnel, veterans, and their dependents were given help with evaluating and pursuing manufacturing careers. Transitioning military personnel, veterans, and their dependents were given help with evaluating and pursuing manufacturing careers. Project participants attended a two-day workshop where they became familiar with manufacturing industry career tracks and terminology. Then they attended an 11-week program to build their network through CAMPS’ membership of manufacturers, supply chain partners, professional service providers, and government, education, and non-profit organizations. Students were exposed to the core tenets of manufacturing careers, including workplace safety, Lean and ISO requirements, and methods of fabrication and assembly. ARM Institute’s program, Veterans Serving Veterans: ARM Training in Construction, has created curriculum and program materials for robotic systems training to result in two robotic systems certificates for veterans focused in construction. The objective is to prepare workers for future jobs that embrace robotic technology. Texas A&M University, 3Space Makers, Fort Hood Army Base, and Veterans Research and Support Center collaborated on this project. In 2020, the first iteration of the AmSkills Apprenticeship Recruitment Initiative, an ARM funded Education & Workforce Development Project, resulted in 12 participants receiving job offers. This program previously resulted in a homeless veteran getting a job offer in manufacturing. “Veterans are ideally suited to transition into robotics because they’ve built technical aptitude and leadership proficiencies in their military careers that align well with the skills we need in manufacturing,” says Andra Keay, Vice President of Global Robotics at AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “These programs inspire Veterans to reach their full potential. Not only do they expand their careers into robotics and automation, but some become entrepreneurs and business owners.” Veterans interested in robotics training can go to the ARM Institute’s national workforce resource, RoboticsCareer.org. Manufacturers interested in hiring veterans can explore veteran projects and more on www.arminstitute.org.
The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute funds robotics training programs for existing military members and veterans while also offering a national workforce resource to connect them with manufacturers offering high paying technical work. It’s a win-win for the brave and well trained.