RAMTECs Train In-Demand Robotics Workforce

Companies are compelled to embrace and incorporate innovation in order to stay competitive. For some companies, this transition is manageable; for others, it is a difficult and slow process.

Industries such as manufacturing are feeling the pressure to evolve. In Ohio, a state steeped in the manufacturing heritage of America, the collaboration of industry, education and government has kickstarted initiatives that keep manufacturing and Ohio thriving.

Partnership with Education Creates Opportunity
In 2013, educators in Marion, Ohio, saw an opportunity to shape training that prepared students for the future while addressing major manufacturing needs. The partnership created Tri-Rivers Career Center’s RAMTEC (Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Technology Education Collaborative) and eventually 22 additional RAMTECs in Ohio.

RAMTEC’s mission is to grow Ohio’s economy by building a skilled workforce, partnering with effective training programs, and connecting employers with qualified workers in the industry. RAMTEC partners include FANUC, Lincoln Electric, Yaskawa Motoman Robotics, Stratasys, Rockwell Automation and Parker Hannifin.

In 2018, JobsOhio partnered with Ohio Means Jobs, RobotWorx, Honda, Aerotek and CompassTech to help the Tri-Rivers’ RAMTEC launch a three- week pilot education program that trains high school students and adults to meet the needs of local employers. JobsOhio contributed $137,000 in financial support for the program.

Training That Works
By May, the first four students graduated. The program has achieved graduate placement rates as high as 100 percent. At a time when U.S. manufacturing jobs go unfilled for a lack of skilled workers, RAMTEC has developed a certification training program that emphasizes hands-on learning and the basics of robotics.

Manufacturers across the country are competing for skilled workers in an increasingly tight labor pool. JobsOhio helps ensure organizations such as RAMTEC are training the workers that manufacturers need to innovate and compete globally from Ohio.