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The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute today announced the availability of an online resource, www.roboticscareer.org, designed to help address the skilled workforce challenge in U.S. manufacturing. This national capability is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense.

The ARM Institute is the nation’s leading collaborative in robotics and workforce innovation, working at the confluence of industry, government, and academia. Structured as a public-private partnership, the ARM Institute and its member organizations catalyze robotic technologies and education solutions to strengthen the U.S. industrial base and secure U.S. manufacturing resiliency. The institute is sponsored by the DoD, and its diverse membership base includes start-ups, robotics suppliers, research universities, community colleges, manufacturers of all sizes, unions, government agencies, workforce development organizations, and more.

According to a recent media report by CNN, the manufacturing industry has more than 500,000 job openings today. U.S. factories are struggling to find both entry-level and skilled workers. A May 2021 study published by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute estimates that as many as 2.1 million manufacturing jobs will be unfilled through 2030 which could ultimately cost the U.S. economy $1 trillion. According to a report from Burning Glass, one of the most in-demand roles is for robotics technicians.

Related: ARM Institute names first robotics fellow

The ARM Institute has been keenly aware of this issue since its formation in early 2017. Leveraging its 300+ member consortium and strategic partners in the Department of Defense, Department of Labor, and Department of Commerce, the Institute has taken a significant step in supporting our nation’s efforts to tackle this issue.

RoboticsCareer.org is a federally-funded, national capability that connects students and workers with leading robotics education programs for manufacturing careers. Updated on a daily basis, this no-cost resource today lists approximately 10,000 programs from over 1,200 educational organizations in the United States and territories. This information can be searched based upon location, education delivery (e.g. online or onsite) and other keywords.

Of significance, the ARM Institute consortium has identified the competencies and skills that manufacturers most desire for robotics roles, and these competencies are matched to every program, providing insight and guidance to education and job seekers.

Other unique capabilities provided by this national resource include:

• Broad recognition of robotics education and training programs from badges and micro-credentials to PhDs
• Defined competency models and robotics job pathways necessary to meet the skills requirements for advanced manufacturing in the United States
• Endorsed training programs that meet national consortium-defined requirements that best prepare education seekers for successful careers in advanced manufacturing

“The ARM Institute is committed to work with our members and partners to invest in solutions that support our nation’s need for skilled robotics technicians for manufacturing,” stated Lisa Masciantonio, ARM Institute chief workforce officer. “This national capability is a foundation for introducing in-demand new capabilities such as such as career planning, credentialing, and job matching.”

You can learn more about RoboticsCareer.org by registering for the Institute’s webinar on Thursday, May 20th at 2pm ET.