Y-Blog / Empowering Minds, Engineering Futures
 
Empowering Minds, Engineering Futures

Empowering Minds, Engineering Futures

Posted: 4/8/2024 12:34:57 PM by Logan LeMaster
Topics: Education and Training, Events

On April 6th, the United States geared up to celebrate National Robotics Week, and the pivotal role of education in driving change and innovation will be in the spotlight. At Yaskawa, we firmly believe in the transformative power of education. Our commitment goes beyond mere instruction; it's about empowering minds and shaping engineering futures. Over the past year, we've actively engaged in numerous initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of robotics enthusiasts and professionals. From hosting facility tours to participating in STEM events and advisory meetings, our dedication to education remains unwavering. Education is not solely a means to an end; it's a journey towards empowerment and innovation.

Engaging with High Schools and Colleges

We've forged impactful partnerships with high schools across the region, aiming to inspire and educate students about the dynamic realm of robotics. Collaborating closely with institutions such as the Dayton STEM School, and organizations like STEM Center and DO STEM, we've provided immersive, hands-on experiences that offer invaluable insights into the practical applications of robotics technology. Our facility tours, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds including Bishop Leibold, Meadowdale and Liberty High School, transcend mere showcases of our facilities—they ignite passion and curiosity in young minds. Participation in career fairs and advisory meetings at Butler Tech, Warren County Career Center and Greene County Career Center enables us to interact with students, provide career guidance and showcase the diverse career paths available in the field.

By immersing students in the world of robotics, we continue to cultivate a new generation of trailblazers and problem solvers. Our objective is clear: to demonstrate the boundless possibilities within robotics and help shape students’ career paths. In line with this vision, we've partnered with Valley View High School through the Career Change Partnership, providing students with disabilities the opportunity to perform part assembly tasks on-site at their school. The components created are then quality checked at Yaskawa headquarters, before being integrated into functioning robots. These initiatives extend beyond showcasing facilities, aiming to ignite passion and curiosity in young minds, including those with disabilities. Through our efforts, Yaskawa is fostering creativity and critical thinking, while ensuring accessibility to STEM opportunities for all students.

Our engagement with colleges and universities is equally impactful. Hosting tours for institutions such as Sinclair Community College, Wright State University, Clark State College, Wilberforce University and Miami University, we expose students to advanced technologies and career opportunities in robotics and engineering.

Moreover, our dedication to supporting students extends beyond tours and career fairs. Partnering with colleges for capstone projects, institutions such as Sinclair Community College's MET program and Upper Valley Career Center (UVCC) collaborate with us, offering real-world challenges in robotics and automation technologies. For college students, our focus is on bridging the gap between education and industry. Through internships, co-op programs and mentorship opportunities, we equip students with the real-world experience and skills necessary to succeed in the field of robotics.

Fostering Tomorrow’s Innovators

Our goal extends beyond simply introducing students to robotics. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship and career guidance, Yaskawa lays the foundation for the next generation of STEM leaders. These initiatives not only provide students with valuable practical skills but also instill in them a passion for innovation and problem-solving.

Additionally, hearing directly from those who have benefited from our education initiatives offers a glimpse into the real-world impact of our efforts. One such success story is Ayden Tudor, who transitioned from being our first student intern to a full-time employee. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, "Working here has been a great experience. I feel that there is only so much material that you can learn from school. Getting a hands-on experience in your field of work is very beneficial." His journey exemplifies the transformative power of practical learning experiences and highlights the importance of bridging the gap between education and industry.

With each interaction, we are not only laying the foundation for the future STEM workforce, but also, we continue to inspire individuals, like Ayden, to pursue their passions and succeed in their chosen fields.


(Ayden Tudor signing to join the Yaskawa team)

Leading the Evolution of Robotics

As we inspire and educate the next generation of robotics enthusiasts and professionals, we are contributing to a brighter future for the field. Looking ahead, Yaskawa is excited to continue efforts in student engagement and community involvement. In celebration of National Robotics Week, we have multiple events lined up, including participation in a Career Fair at Sinclair Community College, and welcoming visits from Bethel High School and the University of Dayton for facility tours. These engagements not only showcase the possibilities within robotics, but also, they provide valuable industry insights to students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% growth in employment for robotics engineers from 2022 to 2032,1 highlighting the increased demand for skilled professionals in this domain. At Yaskawa, our commitment to driving change through education remains steadfast, and our dedicated experts will continue to inspire students and help them forge engineering pathways on a global scale in the years to come.


1 Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023



Logan LeMaster is a HR and Marketing Coordinator


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