BotsIQ teaches manufacturing through fun

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Mon Valley students in Fayette and Westmoreland counties will continue to have opportunities to discover the benefits of a hands-on career.

For a second year, Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ has received support from the Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board’s WIOA Young Adult Employment and Training Programs grant for its Close the Loop program.

The program serves high school students in Fayette and Westmoreland counties, providing career-related activities to students interested in advanced manufacturing or robotics careers. 

Through partnerships with local manufacturers, BotsIQ offers students opportunities such as professional career interviews, facility tours, job shadowing, mentorships, work releases, co-operative education and internships.

This spring, BotsIQ celebrated its 15th year of operation.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, BotsIQ continued to provide services to more than 60 schools and nearly 1,000 students. 

As schools shifted to remote learning, BotsIQ provided support through an online training program, BotsIQ Academy, and new resources to engage students through hands-on engineering and design lessons. 

This year, nearly 90% of students learned at least one technical skill such as machining, welding, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or computer-aided design.

More than 85% of BotsIQ students said they are interested or plan to explore a manufacturing or STEM-related career. 

In 2005, local manufacturers and educators launched BotsIQ with just six schools. 

Today, the program is 10 times its original size, has its own fan base and mobilizes hundreds of volunteers each year—including manufacturing professionals and BotsIQ alumni who lend their support. 

Michel Conklin, executive director of the program, said BotsIQ is helping to create an in-demand workforce.

“Manufacturers need skilled employees who like to work with their hands and solve complex problems. That’s where BotsIQ comes in — providing programming that connects these students to in-demand manufacturing careers,” he said.
“We are thankful to receive additional funding to continue this work in Fayette and Westmoreland County,”  Conklin said.

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