Change can be hard, especially when it means leaving the military for civilian life.
But in the two years since launching the AI-Enhanced Robotic Manufacturing program at Central Georgia Technical College’s VECTR (CGTC VECTR) Center, veterans are now embracing the transformational effects of learning new skills and career pathways.
Dozens of students have connected the dots from computer cables to machine vision and robotic controllers, earning specialized certificates along the way. These new skills augment civilian careers in tech fields, or they launch new ones in Georgia’s growing manufacturing sector.
The AI-Enhanced Robotic Manufacturing program features a lab, funded by Georgia AIM, and curricula that starts with the basics of machine learning manufacturing technologies. The program is part of Georgia AIM’s technical workforce development initiative. Eventually, students learn about the technology that drives robotics and programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, in a variety of environments. It’s the newest program at the VECTR Center, which has a larger mission to reskill or upskill veterans and those transitioning out of the military through the SkillBridge program. This federal initiative allows active-duty service members to gain civilian work through internships, apprenticeships, and training during the last 180 days of their service.
“At CGTC VECTR, we offer paths for students to enroll in a new career or seek a new skill, but in this program specifically, we are teaching a robotics program and also advanced automation, including AI and machine learning,” said Deryk Stoops, the program’s instructor. “So as the manufacturing in our area continues to grow and you see that economic impact, we realize that manufacturers are going to need these vital workers to fill these key roles as technology continues to advance.”
The program can be taken on its own or as a specialization under other educational programs offered at the college. Stoops said many graduates have moved on to jobs in the Warner Robins area, either at Robins Air Force Base or area manufacturers looking to scale up their use of robotics or autonomous vehicles.
The robotics program strategically trains students on FANUC robots, which are heavily used at Robins Air Force Base. Veterans with these technical skills can be an asset to the base, which relies on thousands of civilian employees to carry out its mission. In addition, graduates are employed as robotic technicians across Georgia and beyond.
“One of my students, he recently got a job with a company in Norcross (Georgia). They make different types of plastic container-making equipment,” said Stoops. “The company is based in Belgium, and he was able to get a job with them after going through this program. He’s very excited, because he can travel to support the extruders they install worldwide.
“So, for him, it’s a great opportunity to take these skills and actually get to go and see the world.”
The program is an example of how specific technical training can support advanced manufacturing. As employees, veterans and graduates walk into employers with additional technical expertise and the soft skills that come from years of military service.
“We’re really seeing that students who come through this program are able to, in a short time over one semester, come through and get very valuable skills in robotics, PLC, machine vision, and AI machine learning,” added Stoops. “And then, they have the training in the classroom and the certifications that can go on a resume. In a very short time, they can go out and work and have that confidence that they have a career in the midst of all that uncertainty of transitioning and seeing what’s next.”
Learn more about the AI-Enhanced Robotic Manufacturing Program.