CANFIELD, Ohio – Instructors from the Mahoning County Career & Technical Center and Valley STEM Academy represented the Mahoning Valley this week at the Congressional Robotics Caucus meeting in Washington, D.C.
The meeting brought together members of Congress, industry leaders and educators to highlight the role of robotics, automation and workforce development in strengthening U.S. competitiveness and reshoring manufacturing.
The event, “The Keys to Reshoring Manufacturing: A Skilled Workforce, Advanced Robotics, and a National Strategy,” was spearheaded by the Association for Advancing Automation in partnership with several of its member organizations, including MCCTC and Valley STEM.
Discussions emphasized the need for a unified national robotics strategy to support modern manufacturing and workforce readiness nationwide.
The Congressional Robotics Caucus – established in 2007 and co-chaired by Ohio U.S. Rep. Bob Latta – works to educate Congress on the role automation plays within the workforce development ecosystem. Members of Congress in attendance included Reps. Jim McGovern, Jay Obernolte and Haley Stevens.
The Valley schools were represented by Jason Moore, industrial robotics and automation instructor, and Matt Peters, technical integrator. During the session, Moore and Peters highlighted how students trained in robotics and automation can earn industry-recognized certifications and gain access to high-wage, in-demand career pathways at a fraction of the cost of traditional four-year colleges.
“MCCTC and Valley STEM Academy were selected to participate because we are training both high school and adult students in a cooperative environment using the latest technology,” Peters said. “Our significant investment in equipment, facilities and personnel allows us to provide real-world, career-connected learning experiences that align directly with industry needs.”
Pictured at top: Jason Moore and Matt Peters.