A systems approach to automation education and training

American industry has reached the highest level of productivity in its history in recent months and much of this increase can be attributed to the increased reliance on automation in the workplace. Over the past several years Intel, MATEC, and SMC International Training have teamed up to produce a new approach to educating future workers in this new automated environment. This paper discusses how this program was developed and provides an insightful look at the elements of automation education that we feel are necessary for students who will compete successfully in this new job market and for workers who are currently employed in the industry.