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The Walters State Division of Workforce Training has been certified by the internationally recognized robotics company FANUC (Fuji Automatic Numerical Control). Classes in FANUC robotics are offered as noncredit classes with the next “Intro to Robotics” scheduled to begin April 29.

“FANUC robots are the most popular in this area for manufacturers,” said Dr. Kim Bolton, executive director of the division and dean of the Claiborne County Campus. “We have a lab featuring robotics equipment for training both high school students and adult workers.”

Bolton said that she has met with many industry leaders in Walters State’s service area, and most are either using or adding automation. Robotics can make that process more efficient.

Bolton said the course trains students to program FANUC robots in a variety of settings. Many of those skills may transfer to other robot systems. She said the college will be adding other robotic systems in the future.

The equipment used in these classes was purchased with funding from a Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) grant. The GIVE program is administered by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and is designed to address skills gaps in Tennessee’s workforce by supporting the development of career pathways that connect secondary education, postsecondary institutions and local employers.

For more information, or to request a specific training program, contact Bolton at Kim.Bolton@ws.edu or 423-851-4773.