'I'm proud to be part of it': Butler Tech opens robotics lab in Middletown

Butler Tech celebrated its grand opening of its state-of-the-art robotics and industrial maintenance labs at the LeSourdsville Campus in Middletown with a ribbon cutting ceremony, a tour through the facilities and meet and greets with industry leaders.

The initiative is designed to address the evolving needs of the regional workforce and strengthen local industry by providing advanced training in robotics, systems automation and industrial maintenance technology, according to the Butler Tech press release.

The new labs are just one example of new investments in technology education across Butler County, including a collaboration between Butler Tech and Miami University. The university is partnering with the trade school on an advanced manufacturing workforce and innovation hub in Hamilton. According to a press release by Miami University, the hub aims to bolster the region's manufacturing base while serving the needs of both industries and students.

Butler County's Board of Commissioners has directed more than $17 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding toward the new innovation hub so far.

Don Dixon, the Butler County Board of Commissioners vice president, said he strongly supported the Butler Tech and Miami University collaboration along with his fellow commissioners and that the new lab is only one part of the investment made into the program. He added that it's the largest investment they've made in Butler County history.

"I'm just proud to be part of it," Dixon said. "And I'm very proud of Butler County and Miami University for working together and robotics is just another step that Butler Tech has made in the last several years to really get to the forefront of the kind of training that's going to be required to work at these new factories and have an opportunity not only have a great job, but to be able to build a [life] here in Butler County."

The robotics and systems automation program will begin its first classes on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. The program is offered at no cost to qualifying individuals through state-funded grants, according to the press release.

Additionally, the industrial maintenance technology program is now enrolling for daytime classes starting on Sept. 3, 2024.