What's Happening?
Virginia Tech has inaugurated the Virginia Tech Made: The Center for Advanced Manufacturing, aiming to enhance its role in advanced manufacturing research and workforce training. The center, part of the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, will foster collaborations across campus, expand partnerships with industry and government, and focus on workforce development. The initiative includes embedding manufacturing-themed modules in undergraduate engineering courses to create a 'manufacturing spine' in the curriculum. The center will also engage with K-12 students and offer continuing education to engineering professionals. The center's faculty, led by Christopher Williams, will advance technology in areas such as additive manufacturing, robotics, and next-generation materials.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of Virginia Tech Made is significant as it addresses the critical shortage of engineers equipped with skills for future manufacturing jobs. By integrating research and education, the center aims to prepare students for the evolving manufacturing landscape. This initiative is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in industries like aerospace, defense, and automotive, which rely on advanced manufacturing technologies. The center's focus on workforce development and partnerships with industry and government is expected to create a talent pipeline that will support technological breakthroughs and economic growth.
What's Next?
Virginia Tech Made plans to host events such as the Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Tech Hub Conference and the Future Manufacturing Workforce Workshop to engage partners in economic and workforce development. The center will continue to secure funding for research projects, with recent awards from the National Science Foundation and the US Army Research Laboratory. The development of new facilities, including Mitchell Hall, will further support advanced manufacturing research and education.
