VU Partners with 3M to Enhance Technical Training at Area 31

Vincennes University (VU) has partnered with 3M to enhance technical training for Indiana high school students through a $178,000 grant. This funding will support the purchase of ten Mechatronics trainers for the Area 31 Career Center, providing students with advanced tools and certified instructor training in manufacturing, automation, and engineering.

The trainers, developed by Festo Didactic, mirror the technology used in modern smart factories, offering hands-on experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and automation controls. VU’s Director of the Center for Applied Robotics and Automation, Kimberly Wright, emphasized the importance of such partnerships in closing the skills gap and preparing students for high-wage careers in these fields.

The grant expands VU’s capacity to serve more students and enrich its curriculum. VU Early College Site Director Maria Srnka noted that the initiative improves both the quality and accessibility of education. VU instructor James Duddleston added that the trainers allow students to work with the same systems used in real-world manufacturing, preparing them for immediate employment after graduation. This collaboration highlights VU’s commitment to aligning education with workforce needs and addressing the shortage of skilled trades workers.