Project Spotlight: Preparing Technicians for the Future of Work
Technology advances are changing industries at an unprecedented pace, demanding an ever expanding array of knowledge, skills, and abilities from technicians in the STEM disciplines.
In recognition of the challenges that lie just ahead, CORD is leading the NSF project Preparing Technicians for the Future of Work. The project is launching regional activities in which industry partners, two-year colleges, and National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) community leaders will work together in transforming technician education at the associate degree level.
Today's workplace is being transformed by disruptive technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of things. This transformation is creating new enterprises, occupations, and opportunities for innovation and global leadership. The evolution of technology calls for an expanding array of knowledge, skills, and services. Some occupations will disappear as new ones emerge. Preparing Technicians for the Future of Work is conducting collaborative regional activities with industry that will enable the NSF ATE community to transform technician education at the secondary and postsecondary educational levels. Preparing Technicians for Future of Work brings together academic partners, industry leaders, and economic development professionals to jointly develop strategies for ensuring competitiveness in the emerging workplace. The project addresses the need for cross-disciplinary and advanced STEM skills. Regional networks of academic partners are collaborating with industry to strengthen NSF ATE efforts to improve technician education across the US.
Visit the project website for newsletters, podcasts, blog posts, and links to news items and other resources.