Workforce Development

Your Pathway to Success in Automation

Welcome to your gateway to a brighter future in automation and robotics! At A3, we're committed to building a stronger, more skilled workforce through innovation and opportunity.

Keep scrolling to view all our resources. Or, if you want to get in contact directly with our education team, choose an option below to get plugged in.

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Knowledge Base

Explore curated resources to learn about the latest advancements, industry trends, and education opportunities shaping the future of our industry.

colleges and universities offer ai degrees

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AI Degrees and Unversities: Shaping the Future of Artificial Intelligence

The rise of AI curricula in academic institutions is shaping the future by preparing the next generation of innovators, engineers, and thought leaders.

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robotics competitions for kids

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Top Robotics Competitions for Kids

Encouraging students to think like engineers and problem-solvers lays the groundwork for careers in rapidly evolving industries like technology, engineering, and space exploration.

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video screenshot of Automate Live about the skills gap

AUTOMATE LIVE REPLAY

How Industry and Education Are Solving the Skills Gap in Automation

In this energizing conversation from Automate 2025, Ann Wyatt (host of the Workforce 4.0 podcast) sits down with Christelle Keefer and Carrie Giles to unpack one of automation’s most urgent challenges: the skills gap.

Watch Replay >

The Latest Insights into the Industrial Automation Workforce. A report by A3.

A3 WHITEPAPER

Industrial Automation Workforce
Survey Report

This comprehensive whitepaper examines the current challenges, strategies, and trends impacting automation companies today.

Buy Report >

Robotics Competitions

Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

Explore Automation Education at Automate

Join us at Automate to discover two incredible opportunities designed to inspire educators and students alike.

Educator Day

Inspiring Innovation in the Classroom

Immerse yourself in cutting-edge automation education through hands-on experiences with the latest technologies from industry leaders. Enjoy:

  • Inspiring presentations and interactive panels
  • Guided exhibit tours
  • Networking opportunities with educators and industry experts
  • Earn CEUs and enjoy a complimentary lunch

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A3 NextGen Student Tours

Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow

Introduce students to the boundless potential of automation technology with:

  • Guided tours showcasing cutting-edge innovations
  • Networking with leading automation companies
  • Opportunities to share resumes and explore career paths

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Guided by Members, Built for the Future

With leadership from our dedicated members, A3 committees drive innovation, research, education, and collaboration across the automation industry.

A3 Education Committee

The A3 Education Committee unites industry leaders, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations to foster collaboration between the automation industry and education.

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A3 NextGen Committee

The A3 NextGen Committee is dedicated to fostering the involvement of students emerging professionals in the automation industry.

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Career Connections

Whether you're an aspiring professional or a seasoned expert, our recruiter partnerships and career tools are here to connect talent with opportunity. Together, we're driving workforce innovation and creating pathways for success in this rapidly evolving industry.

A3 RESOURCE

Career Center: Unlock the Power of Possibilities

There’s never been a better time to join this fast-growing field. Your career in automation starts here.

Explore Careers

PARTNERSHIPS

Connecting Talent with Opportunity

Through partnerships with groups like 3P Mechatronics and Miller Resource Group, we connect skilled professionals with top employers in automation.

3P Mechatronics Group: Prospect, Prepare & Position for the Automation Industry Miller Resource Group

Your Automation Training

How Are You Training the Next Generation of Automation Leaders?

Partner with us to showcase your offerings and connect with businesses ready to advance in automation. Share your program details and let's drive industry success together.

Send Us Your Programs

Robot Safety Training

Robot Safety and Risk Assessment Training

Master Robot Safety Standards and Risk Assessment Practices

Gain essential knowledge of ANSI/R15.06-2012 Robot Safety Standards and ISO 10218 guidelines. Over two days, participants will learn to apply safety provisions and conduct thorough risk assessments to ensure compliance and workplace safety.

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Collaborative Robot Safety Training

Ensure Safety in Cage-Free, Collaborative Workspaces

Dive into ANSI/RIA R15.06 requirements and explore innovative safety strategies for collaborative robots, including power-and-force-limited systems. Learn to develop risk reduction techniques, implement safety standards, and master risk assessment methods tailored for modern applications.

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Mobile Robotics Safety Training

Navigate Safety Standards for Mobile Robotics

Learn the essentials of mobile robot safety, from basic guidelines to hazard identification and risk assessment processes. Explore types of IMRs, safety standards, and roles across manufacturers, integrators, and users. Gain insights into interfacing IMRs with existing systems, and discover practical solutions through real-world examples.

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In-House Robot Safety and Risk Assessment Training

Convenient, Customizable, and Cost-Effective Safety Training

Bring expert-led robot safety training directly to your facility. Tailored to your schedule and needs, this one-day seminar allows entire teams to be trained on-site, minimizing downtime and travel costs while achieving fast, impactful results.

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BADGES & CERTIFICATIONS

A3 Certified Robot Integrator Program

Setting the Standard for Safety and Excellence

Since 2012, this rigorous certification has set the benchmark for robot integrators, assessing technical expertise, safety acumen, and business excellence. With on-site audits, personnel assessments, and safety training, certified integrators deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality automation solutions. Certification is valid for two years and benefits both integrators and robot users alike.

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Certified Vision Professional

Enhance Your Vision and Imaging Expertise

The CVP program offers two levels of certification to sharpen your skills and boost your professional status in the vision and imaging industry. From foundational knowledge to advanced techniques, the CVP certification helps you stand out and gain recognition from employers, peers, and customers. Available for free to A3 members at Gold and Platinum levels.

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Certified System Integrator Program

Gain a Competitive Edge with Global Recognition

Achieve certification and join an elite group of vision system integrators recognized globally for their skills and expertise. Certification helps vision users evaluate potential integration partners and enhances your company’s credibility in a competitive global market. Valid for three years, it’s a powerful tool to showcase your commitment to quality and expand business opportunities.

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Certified Motion Control Professional

Advance Your Career with Specialized Motion Control Expertise

Enhance your technical knowledge and career with the Certified Motion Control Professional program. Gain foundational knowledge in motion control, motors, and automation technologies to strengthen your skill set and stand out in the industry. Become part of an elite group recognized for expertise in motion control, helping you advance your career and benefit your business.

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Training by Industry Leaders

IEC 61805

IEC 61508 IFSP Training
 

This comprehensive certification program equips automation and industrial professionals with the knowledge and skills required to apply functional safety standards such as IEC 61508. The course covers the full functional safety lifecycle, including risk assessment, system design, hardware and software safety development, and safety case creation. Participants who pass the optional exam earn the globally recognized IFSP certification backed by SGS-TÜV Saar, demonstrating their commitment to safe, compliant, and reliable automated systems.

question and answer session

RTOS Ask Me Anything
 

QNX RTOS Ask Me Anything is designed to empower professionals working in real-time operating system (RTOS) development by helping them navigate tough decisions and overcome technical hurdles. This interactive program provides expert insights on topics like edge performance, cybersecurity, functional safety, product roadmaps, career development, and second opinions. Backed by decades of experience, the QNX team brings deep expertise not only in QNX but also across a broad range of embedded technologies, including Linux, ROS, FreeRTOS, Android, Zephyr, and more.

computer

Introduction to the QNX OS (RTOS) 

The course “Introduction to QNX® OS Architecture” teaches the features, services, and architecture of the QNX RTOS which is used in many automation subvertical such as AMR's, AGV's, factory automation and others. Combined with certification, the course can unlock exciting career opportunities.

speaker in front of a seminar of learners

Color and Appearance Seminars

Learn the essentials of color science and the elements to an effective color process within research and manufacturing environments. This engaging seminar is targeted to industry professionals with job functions in controlling the color quality, consistency, and appearance of their products or samples. Hosted by a Konica Minolta Sensing color expert, each attendee will leave with a solid understanding of color and the components required for evaluating, communicating, and controlling color internally.

Students training in robotics

MAT2

Developed in conjunction with global technology leaders, MAT2 combines theory, practice, and hands-on-training to train a globally competitive workforce. MAT2 addresses two critical issues facing high-tech manufacturing: a widening skills gap and an aging workforce. The program, an alternative to a four-year college degree, provides students a three-year career pathway to success as they alternate between classroom training and on the job paid work experience. The course schedule involves coursework at their respective college where they learn practical skills and theory as well as hands-on learning with an MAT2 Network Company, such as Dürr.

Students working on a robotic hand

Universal Robots Training

At Universal Robots, we believe that training is one of the cornerstones of our success when it comes to our robots’ applications. Our goal is to make automation accessible to everyone and this is why we created a unique and award-winning training platform that is already being used by more than 200,000 people around the world. The combination of our Free e-Learning with options for our hands-on, in-class training or online instructor-led simulator training sessions means that our users can acquire the know-how required for the implementation and programming of our cobots.

Students collaborating on a robotics project

Universal Robots Education Program

The world is changing faster than ever, and today’s students need to learn completely new set of skills compared to previous generations. Automation is redefining established ways of working in every industry and generating millions of new jobs opportunities along the way. But without professionals specialized in different fields of automation, this new market will remain stuck in first gear. UR is helping to fill the training gap buy collaborating with industry partners and education institutions to re-skill the existing workforce and train the next generation in robotics and automation.

Someone teaching a class on robotics

InOrbit Education Edition

InOrbit Education Edition gives qualified educators and students unparalleled free access to InOrbit's complete platform for RobOps education. The InOrbit platform offers tools for robot fleet observability, traffic management, incident analysis, and integration with fixed infrastructure, legacy automation, and other systems. Education Edition provides students with hands-on experience using tools for real world robot operations.

ABB robot used to teach students

ABB Robotics STEM Education Package

The ABB Robotics Education Package is a ready-to-use training kit that equips students with key skills and knowledge in robotics and automation, preparing them to excel in a future of work where robots are as common as laptops today. Featuring a collaborative robot cell, student friendly coursework, and a globally recognized STEM certification, the package empowers both educators as well as students, anywhere in the world, to get hands-on experience in real-life robotics applications. Designed by experts at ABB in collaboration with educators, the ABB Robotics Education Package provides a strong foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), no matter the student’s educational background.

Kawasaki training image of two people using an educational robot

K-EDU

Our Training team’s goal is simple: for every student to leave our facility a successful, empowered user of Kawasaki robots. We welcome students of all skill levels to take our courses – whether it is their first time operating a robot or they are looking to build on preexisting skills.

Equipped with years of field experience, our training team members are experts on a wide range of robotic systems and applications. To meet our students’ specific needs, coursework is tailored to individual skill levels and we offer different paths for customers and integrators.

In-person and virtual training courses are available and vary by location.