The intent of the investment, ABB officials said at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., is to position the school as one of the nation’s leading advanced manufacturing educational institutions. The announcement followed ABB’s recent announcement that it will invest $170 million in manufacturing and distribution operations in 2023.
“In order to compete on a global scale, U.S. manufacturers like ABB must invest in a continuous pipeline of technically skilled talent,” said Jesse Henson, president of ABB NEMA Motors Division. “Driven by our partnership with UAFS, we are rethinking the way communities approach career and technical education in the K-12 and university systems to build strong relationships with businesses and customers.”
Workforce development programs at UAFS work with students, whether they are traditional students, adult learners, displaced workers, or veterans, to develop the skills necessary to compete in today’s labor market, the news release said. Officials said workforce development investment benefits the entire region served by UAFS and advanced skills training enables U.S. manufacturers to compete globally.
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) has announced a new partnership with ABB, a global technology company, to provide advanced workforce training programs for students. As part of the partnership, ABB will donate $1 million to UAFS over the next five years to support the university’s efforts to enhance STEM education and prepare students for careers in the tech industry.
The funding will be used to establish a new robotics lab, purchase new equipment and technology, and support faculty development and training programs. The partnership will also provide opportunities for UAFS students to gain real-world experience through internships, co-op programs, and other industry collaborations.
