Key Takeaways

• AET Labs offers full-service lab solutions, from funding guidance to equipment selection to installation and support, helping New England technical schools and colleges build workforce-ready CTE and STEM programs.
• Choosing the right lab equipment means balancing safety, realism, flexibility, and curriculum alignment.
• Local support and maintenance ensure labs stay operational and aligned with evolving industry needs.

CTE and STEM programs are vital for helping sectors like industrial manufacturing and engineering meet the growing demand for a highly skilled workforce. Manufacturers are predicting a 3.8 million worker shortfall by 2033, and 65% indicate that attracting and retaining qualified employees is a critical business goal. 

By that same year, STEM jobs are expected to increase by 10.4%—far above the national average—and many will be in the industrial robotics sector that’s predicted to nearly double in revenue by the end of the decade. Roles in industrial, mechanical, and electrical engineering are growing at 2-3 times the national average, and these sectors are expected to face significant labor shortages in the near future. 

Today, technical high schools and colleges are in a position to build their programs and attract students to these rewarding career paths. But are you prepared to fund, implement, and maintain a cutting-edge technology lab that meets ever-changing workplace demands?

At AET Labs, we specialize in providing end-to-end consulting for CTE and STEM programs across New England. Here are some of our top tips for delivering industry-relevant skills and a high-quality experience with state-of-the-art classroom technology. 

Securing Funding

Starting a CTE program or updating your current lab can be an expensive proposition, and most institutions will need to look to outside sources for funding. There are plenty of grant opportunities for STEM and CTE programs in New England. For funding ideas outside of grants, you can download our Guide to CTE Funding for New England Schools. It includes real strategies schools are using to secure career and technical education funding across New England along with practical tools to help your institution.

Lab Design

The layout of your lab affects every aspect of the learning experience, including student collaboration, instructor engagement, and the technology you install. Get it right, and your program will create organic synergy and generate enthusiasm for your institution. But a poor layout can become an obstacle for training, frustrate your staff, and introduce health and safety risks. 

Will the equipment fit through the door? How much access space should be accounted for in the footprint? Even basic considerations like plumbing and ventilation can become expensive oversights if they aren’t properly accounted for in the layout. 

Equipment Selection

The technology you choose for your lab is the beating heart of your CTE program. Whether it’s a realistic mixed-reality welding experience, safe and engaging collaborative robots, or an EV training system, you’ll need products that balance the following priorities:

• Safety. Robotics, electrical components, and modular systems should simulate the workplace experience while delivering appropriate safety standards and training. 
• Flexibility. Classroom technology should empower instructors to create engaging lesson plans covering a wide range of real-world applications. 
• Affordability. Acquisition, instructor training, and maintenance costs can make a big impact on the value your lab provides for students. 
• Approachability. Training systems should encourage hands-on exploration without unwieldy learning curves. 
• Realism. Any system you choose must deliver skills and training that translate directly to working environments. 
• Curriculum. Meets state frameworks and course goals and comes with training materials, so instructors don’t need to start from scratch.

Installation and Instructor Training

Lab technology may allow students to have an exciting interactive experience on day one, but that doesn’t mean it’s ready to go when it arrives at the loading dock. Equipment needs to be delivered, unboxed, assembled, and installed, and in most cases, it requires highly specialized experts who can work safely and efficiently in your space. 

Instructors also need training to understand how to get the most out of lab technology, especially when they’re new and facing unfamiliar equipment. Look for local equipment vendors that provide one-on-one instruction with trained professionals for basic maintenance, safety procedures, functionality, and best practices for helping students engage. 

Support and Maintenance

Every successful program has to update its curriculum and technology to match evolving industry practices and standards. These are expensive investments, and the cost of maintaining and troubleshooting these systems is ongoing. Worse, if a key piece of equipment breaks down at the wrong moment, it can shut your lab down for days or weeks at a time.

Having a trusted local partner on call for routine maintenance and critical support is essential for efficient operations and peace of mind. In many cases, vendors are the best option for these services since they are deeply familiar with the technology. And if they also helped with design and installation, their technicians will already understand your infrastructure and building logistics.  

Preparing Today’s CTE and STEM Labs for Tomorrow’s Workforce

There’s no partial solution to creating highly trained workers. At AET Labs, we’re committed to providing New England institutions with the technology and support they need to deliver industry-relevant skills and an exciting classroom experience. From grant consultations to lab design, equipment selection, delivery, installation, instructor training, and equipment support, we offer end-to-end lab solutions for our clients at technical high schools and community colleges.

Whether you’re modernizing your current lab or starting a new program, AET Labs can help you bring it to life and keep it running strong. Contact AET Labs to get building or improving your programs.