Ohio School Transforms Robotics Program for Factory Jobs

High school students in Ohio are learning to operate the same advanced robots used in modern factories, thanks to a major upgrade at Lorain County Joint Vocational School.

The school transformed its robotics program after local employers shared what skills they actually need. What was once an architecture-focused program now trains students on FANUC six-axis robots and programmable logic controllers, the exact technology driving advanced manufacturing across the region.

Instructor Stormy Rush spent a full year training and earning certifications so she could teach students these in-demand skills. She completed FANUC robotics certification and Rockwell programmable logic controller training, both recognized nationwide by manufacturers.

Students got their first taste of the new equipment last school year using robots loaned from Lorain County Community College. The response was immediate excitement about the "more technologically advanced manufacturing aspects" of the program, Rush said.

The school has now purchased its own equipment, expected to arrive by early October. A new lab is being prepared to house the industrial robots and training systems.

The Ripple Effect

This program shift reflects something bigger happening across Ohio's manufacturing belt. Factories need workers who can program and operate sophisticated automation systems, but finding qualified candidates has been challenging.

By offering industry-recognized certifications while still in high school, students graduate ready to step into well-paying manufacturing careers. The JVS plans to offer collaborative robot operator and certified operator level 1 certifications through FANUC.

Associate Principal Brandon Kushinski emphasized the school's focus on real workplace experience before graduation. Getting hands-on time with the same technology used in local factories means students know exactly what they're walking into.

Principal Megan Champagne said employer input drove the transformation. "We wanted to sort of up the ante in terms of STEM instruction so the kids had some more opportunities to do real-world tasks," she explained.

The equipment allows multiple students to simultaneously learn programming and operation, maximizing hands-on training time. Students won't just learn theory; they'll build actual skills that translate directly to factory floors.

These teenagers are learning to operate robots that cost tens of thousands of dollars, gaining experience that makes them immediately valuable to employers seeking skilled workers in advanced manufacturing.