Expanding Career Pathways in Robotic Welding and Improving Regional Industrial Manufacturing Training is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project at Fresno City College.  The project will improve training for industrial manufacturing technicians needed to meet the current and future local and regional industry demand.  Training is needed to accommodate the new robotics technology being used in the welding and industrial manufacturing industry. 

The program will develop two new robotic welding classes and a new automated welding certificate. The curriculum will be a model for building a stronger and more competitive workforce for Fresno County, California, and the U.S. economy.  It will enhance the community college education, provide professional development for college faculty and 9th - 12th grade teachers.

The goals include the following: Improve the STEM pipeline for high school through community college, integrate new robotics curriculum, equipment and training into a robotic welding certificate to prepare more robotic welders for the industrial manufacturing workforce, and improve partner synergy in diversity recruitment and student support.

The project will facilitate a two week industrial manufacturing summer camp in 2020 and 2021 for high school sophomores and juniors.  Students will be provided the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities related to industrial robotics, 2D and 3D designing and printing, electrical motor controls, welding, and CNC plasma cutting.

Interested high school students can apply.  Applications for 2020 are due February 28, 2020.

Professional development will be provided to community college instructors and local area CTE high school teachers.  Contact Brett Camacho for detailed information on upcoming training opportunities and events.

Core partners include Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, San Joaquin Valley Manufacturers Alliance, Fresno Unified School District, Fresno County Office of Education, and CTE dual enrollment classes.

Industry partners include Lincoln Electric, FANUC robot training equipment units, and WELD_ED "National Center for Welding Education and Training". 

The Fresno City College Welding Advisory Board made up of local areas manufactures provides input on workforce needs and the technology skills utilized in their manufacturing businesses.  These partnerships and collaboration with industry are essential to offering robotic welding courses and improving regional industrial manufacturing training.

NSF - ATE Grant Award Number: 1902457

Principal Investigator:

Brett Camacho, Welding Faculty
Brett.camacho@fresnocitycollege.edu
559-442-8273 X8711

Co-Principal Investigator:

Julie Lynes, CTE Counselor
Julie.lynes@fresnocitycollege.edu
559-442-8273 X8714

Dean of Applied Technology

Becky Barabe
Becky.barabe@fresnocitycollege.edu