Northeast Metro Tech School Committee Chair Deborah Davis of Woburn and Superintendent David DiBarri are pleased to announce that the Northeast Metro Tech School Committee recently voted to implement a Chapter 74 robotics and automation program to begin in the fall. The course will teach students about the design and development of new products and machines, and how to improve processes and manage operations and repairs, with a focus on industrial robotics. Graduates will leave with the skills needed to pursue a career as a robotics or manufacturing technician, or to study engineering in college.
During a meeting on March 9, School Committee members approved the program for the start of the 2017/2018 school year. “We understand that over the last decade or so there has been an increased need for qualified robotics and automation technicians and we’re happy to be able to offer a program that will give our students the skills they need to succeed in their careers,” Davis said.
Bringing a robotics and automation program to Northeast Metro Tech has been in the works for the last few years. At the School Committee meeting school officials presented the program to members, noting that 122 companies in the Commonwealth use robotics, and according to the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, generated more than $1.6 billion in 2015. Potential jobs in the industry include robotics programmer, robotics maintenance technician, engineering technician, robotic welding programmer and automation controls technician.
“Robotics and automation directly align with our focus on science, technology, engineering, and math,” Superintendent DiBarri said. “We’re extremely excited to have this program available next year and I expect there to be a lot of interest among students.”
