MVCTC Launches CTE Month Spotlight Series with Robotics & Automation Program

In celebration of Career Technical Education (CTE) Month, Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) is launching a new CTE Month Spotlight Series to highlight hands-on learning happening every day in career-technical labs. The series kicked off with a visit to MVCTC’s Robotics & Automation program, led by instructor Mr. Van Henderson.

Throughout CTE Month and continuing through the end of the year, MVCTC leaders will visit career-technical programs to showcase real-world skills students are developing and how those experiences connect directly to high-demand careers across Ohio.

“Ohio’s economy is heavily driven by advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, and technology,” said Henderson. “The demand for technicians who can build, program, maintain, and troubleshoot automated systems is only growing. These are some of the most valuable skills students can graduate with today.”

Over the past several years, the Robotics & Automation program has expanded its focus on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to meet increasing industry demand and earning potential. The curriculum continues to grow with advanced training in robotic welding, including both standard MIG and aluminum MIG applications.

What sets the program apart from a traditional classroom is simple but powerful: hands-on learning.

“Students work directly with industrial robots, tools, and systems, and they’re given the time to truly master them,” Henderson said.

Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue mechanical and aeronautical engineering, become machine builders, become installation technicians who travel the world, and even become business owners. Some students begin their careers before graduation. Henderson shared the story of a current senior who is already earning over $60,000 a year and has been offered a full-time position upon graduation.

MVCTC also spoke with Montgomery Back, a junior from Tri-County North, who demonstrated a combat robot his team designed for an upcoming BattleBots-style competition in March. Students designed the robot using SolidWorks, including the weapons system, and then built the fully functioning machine from their digital models.

“What surprised me most was learning computer design with SolidWorks,” Montgomery said. “We’re wiring, building robots, and using professional design software. It’s real work.”

Montgomery credits MVCTC staff for pushing students to take school seriously while supporting individual career goals. He plans to participate in MVCTC’s School-to-Work Apprenticeship Program next year to begin his career while still in high school.

The Robotics & Automation program is a two-year program where students design, build, and program industrial robots used worldwide. Students can earn industry-recognized credentials, including FANUC Robotics Certification, Allen Bradley PLC, Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA), and MSSC Certified Production Technician, along with college credits through Sinclair College.

“There are many paths to a good and happy life,” Henderson said. “We’re teaching students the skills they need to pursue the life they want to build. They just need to invest the time and energy to pick up what we’re offering.”

Pictured:  Robotics & Automation junior, Montgomery Back (Tri-County North), working on robot design with instructor Van Henderson.