Funding & Development
Million-Dollar Grant to Prepare 'Super Techs' for Smart Manufacturing
NSF Funding Will Revise Curriculum and Enhance Training Facilities
RALEIGH, N.C. (December 16, 2025) – Wake Tech engineering and welding students will soon gain advanced skills to collaborate with smart machines thanks to a nearly $1 million National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant.
The project, named Advancing Automation Curricula to Graduate Technicians to Meet Future Industry Needs, will launch an industry-validated, interdisciplinary training program to prepare electronics engineering, mechanical engineering and welding students for Industry 5.0, the next era of manufacturing.
Industry 5.0 represents a new phase of industrialization where human creativity and critical thinking complement advanced technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence and smart systems. Unlike Industry 4.0, which emphasized automation and data-driven processes, Industry 5.0 prioritizes collaboration between humans and machines, creating workplaces that are both technologically advanced and human-centered.
The three-year project will create three advanced automation and robotic welding certificate pathways, update seven existing courses of study and embed industry-recognized credentials. Students will learn to design, simulate and produce products using state-of-the-art technologies, including robotics and CAD software, while honing critical communication and problem-solving skills.
"This initiative ensures our graduates are future-proof technicians – skilled in automation, robotics and collaboration," said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. "Industry partners have told us these skills are critical to closing the workforce gap."
By bridging disciplines and incorporating both STEM and soft skills, the program will produce "Super Techs" – technicians capable of diagnosing, repairing and optimizing complex systems in modern manufacturing environments. This initiative strengthens partnerships with regional employers and positions graduates for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and automation.
Wake Tech will upfit two campuses with simulation labs and modern production facilities, enabling students to train in environments that mirror real-world workplaces. Students will also train in the college's state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Center, which opens next fall at the Eastern Wake Campus. The project also includes faculty professional development, outreach to middle and high schools and summer workshops for career counselors to build awareness of high-tech manufacturing careers.
The project responds to national calls for investment in technical training and addresses projected shortages of more than 2 million manufacturing jobs by 2030. Graduates can expect competitive salaries, with automation technicians earning up to 30% more than traditional manufacturing roles.
Wake Tech is one of 25 community colleges across 17 states partnered with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in the Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge, a national research-driven agenda addressing the critical shortage and skills gap in U.S. manufacturing.
This is the 25th NSF award that Wake Tech has received since 1978.
