Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC) is proud to announce a significant advancement in its educational offerings thanks to the generous donation of a FANUC robot by Integrated Systems Technologies (IST). This cutting-edge equipment will expand hands-on learning opportunities for high school juniors and seniors through the activities of the MOESC Business Advisory Council, aligning education with high-demand industry needs.

The donation, made in partnership with FANUC America Corporation, marks a pivotal step in providing students with the skills necessary for employment in the ever-evolving fields of robotics and automation. Gabe McCready, president of IST, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “In partnership with FANUC, this is a fantastic opportunity for IST to get more involved and make an impact locally. The donated robot will provide a pathway for local school districts to begin teaching the robotics and automation skills needed to gain employment right here in our local economy.”

McCready continued, “Aligning education and industry is crucial. More and more manufacturers are turning to automation and robotics with the lack of skilled labor available. Students need to get hands-on with advanced manufacturing technology at an earlier age to be more job-ready to support manufacturers making the jump into robotics and automation.”

MOESC will utilize the FANUC robot to offer credentialing to juniors and seniors as a pathway to the workforce and graduation. This initiative is supported by the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation’s Innovative Workforce Incentive Program (IWIP), which focuses on students earning credentials in high-growth, in-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing. The program aims to ensure Ohio meets the workforce needs of employers by expanding student access to industry-recognized credentials.

Breann C. Klug, a senior business operations specialist at FANUC America Corporation, expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying, “Continuing to bring awareness to the various pathways available in manufacturing and robotics. FANUC is excited to be a part of the growth happening at Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center.”

Paul Aiello, director of FANUC CERT Education, highlighted the broader impact of hands-on robotics experience on students’ career prospects.

Aiello said, “Over and over, we see the impact that hands-on robotics experience can offer today’s students, leading to rewarding careers in exciting fields that they may have never been exposed to otherwise. We’re thrilled to deliver on our commitment to education and support schools like Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center in creating more opportunities to transform the world through automation.”

Kevin Kimmel, superintendent of MOESC, said, “We are thrilled to receive this pivotal donation of a FANUC robot from our valued partners at IST. This contribution is a significant step forward in our commitment to providing advanced credential programs across our Business Advisory Council (BAC) schools. The technology and resources provided by IST and FANUC are essential in preparing our students for success in the rapidly evolving world of robotics and automation.”

Submitted by the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center.