Collin College recently received a three-year Advanced Technological Education grant of $446,852 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create a robotic welding curriculum at its technical campus. The NSF grant will support faculty training and the acquisition of specialized equipment.
The grant aims to provide students with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications, while collaborating with industry professionals to review curriculum and student projects, ensuring they meet current industry standards.
“The college is thankful for the opportunity to help shape the future of robotic welding training, and I am excited for the curriculum-building process to begin,” said Dr. Neil Matkin, Collin College’s district president, in an official statement. “This is an exciting, growing field within manufacturing, and I believe the training that develops out of this grant will serve as a crucial resource for students and the community.”
The updated curriculum will expand Collin College’s existing robotic welding program by incorporating both simulated and hands-on training in FANUC-certified robotic welding processes. FANUC, a top supplier of industrial robotics and automation technology, will play a key role in this enhancement.
The curriculum will benefit Collin College students, local industries that employ automated welding technicians and could potentially impact welding students across the nation if it is widely adopted.
“We’ll develop it, test it, and get it ready for use over that three-year period,” said Michael Coffman, dean of academic affairs and workforce at the Collin College Technical Campus, in an official statement. “At the completion of the grant, the curriculum will be made available to any other community college, university, trade school or other educational institution that would like to use it.”
Email [email protected] for more information about Collin College’s welding programs.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.
