The program’s appeal extends into local high schools as well, through the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Pathways program—a dual-credit model that gives high school students early exposure to the trades. “We work with area high schools that bus students to our campus, and it’s been a reliable feeder for over a decade,” Bidwell notes. “Securing funding for these partnerships is always a challenge, but we’re constantly looking for ways to bring more schools into the fold.” The welding program has seen a noticeable rise in female students, an exciting trend for an industry traditionally dominated by men. “Out of the 65 welding students this semester, 15 are women,” Bidwell shares. At the same time, with free tuition now available, Asnuntuck’s Advanced Manufacturing program has become an even more attractive option for recent high school graduates.“We’re seeing a very young demographic this semester,” Bidwell observes. “It’s great to know that manufacturing is becoming a viable career path for people right out of high school.” AUTOMATION AND INDUSTRY COLLABORATION As technology reshapes manufacturing,Asnuntuck’s Advanced Manufacturing program ensures its students don’t just keep up—they stay ahead. Bidwell explains, “Our robotics and mechatronics students are trained to handle real-world problems, like when a production line at Amazon goes down. They’re prepared to go in, troubleshoot, and get things back up and running.” This hands-on experience goes beyond textbooks, giving students the opportunity to repair and maintain equipment directly on campus rather than relying on external technicians. Bidwell also notes that robotic welders are central to the welding curriculum, enabling students to work on cutting-edge equipment in modern fabrication. “We’re deeply involved in Industry 4.0 discussions,” she says, referencing the integration of automation, robotics, and digital transformation into manufacturing. Bidwell’s team recently collaborated with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology to explore new credentials and strategies for teaching digital transformation. “We’re studying
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