Rock Valley College

01/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/21/2026 16:14

Robotic Welders Expand Workforce Training Opportunities

Robotic Welders Expand Workforce Training Opportunities

  • Category
  • 01/21/2026

Rock Valley College (RVC) has recently added robotic welding systems to its Advanced Technology Center in Belvidere, expanding how the College supports both welding students and regional employers.

Two of the robotic welders housed at the RVC Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

The new equipment responds to a growing shift in manufacturing toward automation and robotics. While some RVC welding students are already working with the robotic welders as part of their coursework, the systems were primarily purchased to support customized training for business and industry partners.

"These robotic welders allow us to respond directly to what employers are asking for," said Grant Schubert, executive director of customized training. "We're excited to add this technology to the wide range of customized training opportunities we already offer at RVC."

Robotic welding is widely used in automotive manufacturing, metal fabrication, and other industrial settings where precision and efficiency are crucial. Having this equipment on campus enables employers to train workers using the same type of technology they may encounter in the workplace, rather than relying solely on classroom instruction or simulations.

For students, the robotic welders offer an opportunity to observe how traditional welding skills are applied in automated environments. In addition to manual welding techniques, students can learn the basics of robotic programming, workflow setup, and weld evaluation-skills that are increasingly valuable in modern manufacturing settings.

"This expands what it means to be a welder today," Schubert said. "Employers are looking for people who understand the craft, but who are also comfortable working alongside automation."

The robotic welders also enable the College to offer short-term, targeted training tailored to a company's specific equipment, materials, and production requirements. These customized programs help employees build relevant skills while limiting time away from the workplace.

With the addition of robotic welding technology, Rock Valley College continues to strengthen its connection to local industry while preparing students for evolving careers in advanced manufacturing.

Media Contact

Rock Valley College published this content on January 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 21, 2026 at 22:14 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]