Area high schoolers got their hands on robots for the first time, thanks to Central Lakes College.
The CLC Manufacturing Programs participated in a college fair and career exploration event at Technical High School in St. Cloud this week.
Students in grades 8-11th from both high schools, Apollo and Tech, learned about careers in manufacturing while visiting the CLC booth.
Robbie Lange, Robotics instructor, helped students operate a robot, while explaining how robots are used in industry. He also detailed how they themselves could get training to work in robotics and automation.
Steve Verdon, Welding CLA, let students use the virtual welder. He explained the great need for welders in the industry, as well as how they, too, could become a welder.
Betty Street from the Advanced Manufacturing Education Alliance chatted with students about all three programs, the careers available in manufacturing, details about training, wages and Minnesota manufacturing employers.