|
Take heed to this text |
Jennifer Apicella, Government Director at PRN; Gayle Manchin, Federal Co-Chair at ARC; and Rich Fitzgerald, Government Director at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. Supply: Pittsburgh Robotics Community
As the coal mining industry transitioned to other regions, many professionals in southwestern Pennsylvania were left grappling with limited career opportunities due to the confluence of financial and environmental challenges. To address this challenge, the Pittsburgh Robotics Community announced yesterday the acquisition of a $750,000 grant to establish the Robotics Management Academy, providing innovative pathways in robotics and autonomous systems.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) provided a grant as part of $68.2 million allocated to 65 initiatives through its Partnerships for Alternative and Workforce Development, and Financial Revitalization Program. The POWER Initiative Directs Federal Sources to Financial Diversification and Revitalization Efforts in Appalachian Communities Impacted by Business Downturn.
With support from regional contributors offering matching funds, a total of $1.5 million will fund the Robotics Management Academy. Funding will support a three-year endeavour to empower 220 staff members with the skills necessary to propel innovation and commercialisation efforts within the region’s robotics hub, thereby driving growth and development.
The Pittsburgh Robotics Community is deeply appreciative of the Arc’s support.
“This funding enables us to further develop Pittsburgh’s robotics industry ecosystem by cultivating a more skilled workforce capable of driving innovation in both local and global markets.” “The Robotics Management Academy is poised to play a pivotal role in establishing expertise pipelines that sustain our region’s competitive advantage, thereby driving accelerated industrial growth for these companies.”
The Kentucky Superior Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI) was established as a robotics training center in 2020.
Southwestern Pennsylvania Fee aids PRN
The Pittsburgh Robotics Community is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a premier robotics ecosystem throughout the region. Through its connections with companies, traders, and academia, the Partnership for Robotics Networks (PRN) effectively accelerates the pace of industrial development and fosters a profound impression of robotics within the region and beyond.
Staff from Southwestern Pennsylvania’s federally recognized Native American Land-Grant District provided technical assistance and guidance throughout PRN’s grant application process.
“According to Rich Fitzgerald, the government director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, their group’s mission is to ensure the region’s long-term sustainability through strategic planning, with one key approach being to secure federal funding for organizations like PRN.” “The ongoing support from Co-Chair Gayle Manchin showcases the strong and esteemed collaboration between our region and the ARC organization.”
We’re committed to driving financial progress through innovative approaches, and our Management Academy at PRN will directly address this need by providing staff with the skills required to thrive in and navigate the rapidly evolving robotics industry across the region.
Robotics Management Academy forges strategic partnerships with regional stakeholders.
The Robotics Management Academy effectively collaborates with Partner4Work, InnovatePGH, Penn State College, and other organizations to deliver two specialized tracks tailored to both technical professionals and college students, as part of the Pittsburgh Robotics Community. This system aims to serve numerous teams across the Appalachian region, prioritizing the development of fair and accessible routes into in-demand, well-paying roles within the robotics industry.
“The Robotics Learning Alliance marks a turning point for Pittsburgh’s thriving robotics ecosystem,” said Sean Luther, CEO of InnovatePGH. “As Pittsburgh harmonizes educational, commercial, and community initiatives, it intentionally fosters a cutting-edge robotics industry by cultivating a highly skilled workforce poised to excel in the years to come.”
Rob Cherry, CEO of Partner4Work, emphasized the crucial role of growth in fostering regional development.
“With the support of ARC, PRN’s initiatives are poised to equip job seekers in Appalachia with the skills necessary to participate effectively in the global robotics industry,” he stated. “Together, we’re crafting a more inclusive and prosperous trajectory for our employees and organizations.”
The curriculum seamlessly aligns with regional and federal educational objectives.
Will the Robotics Management Academy’s curriculum effectively bridge the gap between managerial and technical skills, aligning with the PRN to facilitate expertise development and product commercialization? The initiative will further focus on developing fair opportunities for marginalized groups within the professional community.
“This grant enables us not only to develop the robotics workforce, but also to ensure that opportunities are accessible to communities in our area,” said Jenny Sharpe, director of workforce development at the Pittsburgh Robotics Community. “We’re committed to increasing access to education and training, particularly for those traditionally underrepresented in the tech sector.”
The award aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Construct Again Higher initiative, spearheaded by the New Financial System Collaborative. The company secured a $62.7 million investment from the United States. Financial Improvement Administration.
The Robotics Management Academy is slated to launch in late 2024, with ongoing coaching sessions taking place on a quarterly basis until 2027. As anticipated, it intends to lead in coaching approximately 220 personnel and serve as a model for workforce development across the United States.
