Revolutionary advanced manufacturing technology helps prepare students for the next iteration of industry.
AET Labs was pleased to play a role in outfitting Lexington's Minuteman High School with state-of-the-art technical training equipment - courtesy of generous funding from the Baker-Polito Administration's Skills Capital Grant program. The lab is designed to train high school students and adults in high-wage, high-demand advanced manufacturing jobs upon graduation.
Equipping Students with the Right Technology to Help Close the Skills Gap
As digital transformation completely upends traditional manufacturing processes, Massachusetts, a hub for industrial innovation is contending with a skills-gap.
Educators at Minuteman High School, acting with foresight, saw this rapidly advancing Industry 4.0 revolution and took pro-active steps. They sought to equip their campus with cutting-edge technology that supports up-to-date skills that will help them succeed in tomorrow’s advanced manufacturing landscape. School leaders wanted some guidance in making their investment decisions.
With construction of a new campus on the horizon, administrators realized that technology was only part of the equation. Proper installation, infrastructure, and a solid training and service plan would be crucial in purchasing lab equipment for the new lab, and ultimately new building.
Support Administrator’s Planning with Grant Services and Education
Minuteman applied for and received competitive grants totaling $995,000 through the the Baker Administration’s Workforce Skills Cabinet. The question was how to invest these funds in a way that would have an enduring and meaningful impact on student’s vocational training?
AET Lab’s Senior Education Strategist, Mark Lyons helped craft a multi-phased plan, that included technology selection, training, service plans, and interfacing with architects to plan proper infrastructure. The plan took into account the construction and transition of the new lab into a completely rebuilt school.
Lyons and AET Labs’ president David Kempskie, hosted Minuteman Superintendent Edward A. Bouquillon on a trip to visit FESTO headquarters and Hannover Messe trade fair to see Industry 4.0 robotics and mechatronics training equipment in action, and become more familiar with this cutting-edge tech.
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- Epilog FusionPro Laser
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- Creaform HandyScan 3D Scanner
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- Stratasys F270 FDM 3D Printer
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- Makerbot Replicator+ 3D Printer
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- Formlabs SLA 3D Printer
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- FESTO 5600 CNC Mill Training System
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- FESTO 5500 CNC Turn Training System
“When we received an advanced manufacturing grant from Governor Baker, AET was a great resource to guide us through the process of design, equipment selection, and installation. Our program is now equipped with equipment that will provide our students with cutting edge technology which will prepare them for college and career readiness.”
“We’re the front door for people,” said Gina Bingham, NHFPL business outreach librarian, during a recent open house at Ives Squared. “Our machines are meant to be comfortable for beginners.” (Speaking to the ease-of-use of the digital fabrication machines in the Ives Squared Tinkerlab)
“AET Labs has been our savior in creating the Blackstone Valley Education Hub (BV Ed Hub)! The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce was fortunate enough to receive a large Work Skills Capital Grant from the MA Department of Higher Ed to create fabrication, design and computer labs. AET Labs provided us with the expertise and know-how we needed to successfully reach our goals. . . At the end of the project we got rave reviews from the community, our students, teachers, schools and our legislators.”
