FANUC America Introduces National Certifications for Robotics and Advanced Automation

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI - FANUC America Corporation has introduced four new national training certifications for robotics and advanced automation manufacturing. The certifications are the first ever for robot operations, programming and integrated vision.

The industry-education certifications are the result of an 18-month collaboration of more than 150 subject matter experts from FANUC America, industry, automation system integrators, and leading advisors and instructors from high schools, community colleges, and universities. Participants focused on the need to prepare a talent pipeline of workers who possess the core competencies and automation technology skills to work in high-tech manufacturing.

Since 2010, FANUC has lead the effort to address the critical challenge caused by a shortage of skilled workers, and helped change the perceptions of careers in manufacturing. The new industry-leading certifications provide students and companies with measurable skill sets aligned with today's advanced automation technologies, increasing workforce readiness at all levels.

"The national certifications include two skill levels for robot operators and two skill levels for robot technicians," said Paul Aiello, director of education, FANUC America. "Students who receive the new certifications are qualified to fill a variety of high-demand and high-paying careers in robotics and advanced manufacturing. Most employers agree that hiring individuals with relevant industry credentials allows them to quickly become a valued asset to the company, and leads to greater employee retention."

The new national certification classes will be taught at secondary and post-secondary schools and training institutions offering the FANUC CERT (Certified Education Training) program. Currently, there are over 640 education providers offering the CERT program, which represents the largest network of schools providing hands-on applied technology in manufacturing automation.

FANUC America, together with Nocti Business Solutions developed the four industry recognized national certification programs which include two levels of FANUC Certified Robot Operator (FCR-O1 & FRC-O2) and two levels of FANUC Certified Technician (FCR-T1 & FCR-T2).