News and Events

The world is increasingly becoming more digitized, and technology is at the forefront of this transition. Robotics is one of the most rapidly growing fields in the technology sector. As a result, there is a growing need for skilled and competent robotics professionals. 

Because of this, there will be a wide range of career opportunities available for those with the right skills and training. For high school students interested in pursuing a career in robotics, it helps to start preparing them for a robotics career early. But what are some of the ways we can prepare students for a career in robotics? And what essential skills should they possess? 

What Exactly is Robotics? 

Before diving into the ways of preparing for a robotics career, it is essential to have a basic understanding of what robotics is. Robotics is a branch of engineering that involves the design, construction, operation, and use of robots. These machines are designed, programmed, and operated to perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. 

Robots have been implemented across various industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and entertainment. These complex tools have been utilized in factories to build cars, and a host of important manufacturing applications.

The Importance of Education in Preparing for a Robotics Career

Training is crucial for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in robotics. It helps them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, which are necessary for success in the field. Furthermore, robotics education provides students with hands-on experience, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

Many high schools now offer STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)  courses, which can be a great way for students to gain exposure to robotics and related fields. In addition, schools may have robotics clubs or other extracurricular activities that allow students to further explore their interests.

How Can High School Students Prepare for a Career in Robotics

STEM skills are essential for any career in robotics, and the best way of preparing for a robotics career is to sharpen their STEM knowledge. Hands-on learning is an effective way to develop STEM skills and provide students with practical experience working in  robotics. A few ways to help high school students develop these skills include:

1. Robotics Curriculum

High schools can incorporate robotics STEM education into their curriculum by offering robotics courses. A good robotics curriculum typically includes hands-on activities such as building and programming robots, and teaches students how to design, test, and refine their creations. 

A robotics curriculum can help students develop robotics skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, as well as prepare them for careers in STEM fields like engineering and computer science. Additionally, robotics training can help students gain an understanding of ethical and social implications as well. As technology continues to evolve, incorporating robotics into high school curriculums can help ensure that students are prepared for the future job market.

Want to learn more about robotics competitions? Check out events that are offered by our partners at the REC Foundation! 

2. Robotics Clubs

High schools can establish robotics clubs to encourage students to explore their budding interest in the field. These clubs can provide students with opportunities to build robots and participate in competitions. Robotics clubs also foster teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

3. Robotics Competitions

Participating in robotics competitions is an excellent way for high school students to gain experience and prepare themselves for robotics engineering schools. Competitions offer students the opportunity to design, build, and program robots to compete against other teams. 

Attending robotics competitions and events can also be a great way to make connections in the robotics community. These events often bring together professionals and enthusiasts from a wide range of backgrounds, providing opportunities to learn and network.

4. Internships and Apprenticeships

Internships and robotics apprenticeships  provide students with hands-on experience in the field. High school students can intern or apprentice with robotics companies or research institutions to gain practical experience and learn from experts in the field.

5. Extracurricular Programs

There are many extracurricular programs that high school students can participate in to prepare them for a future career in robotics. These programs include summer camps, after-school programs, and online courses. Extracurricular programs provide students with additional opportunities to learn about robotics and gain hands-on experience, preparing them for a robotics career.

Encourage Students to Ensure a Better Future

With the growing importance of technology in today's world, the demand for skilled professionals in robotics is increasing rapidly. High school students interested in pursuing a career in this field should focus on developing STEM skills and gaining hands-on experience. 

Robotics education, including curriculum, clubs, competitions, internships, and extracurricular programs, can provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this growing field. 

By preparing high school students for a robotics career, we can ensure that the future workforce is equipped with the skills needed to succeed in a digitized world.

Where to Go After High School

RoboticsCareer.org has everything you need to start your journey after high school. From apprenticeships to on-the-job training, RoboticsCareer.org database is filled with a wide range of opportunities, including postsecondary CTE options, robotics engineering schools, and robotics technician schools. So why wait? Create an account today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in the exciting world of robots!

About The Author

Lisa Masciantonio 

Chief Workforce Officer

Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute 

Lisa Masciantonio is the Chief Workforce Officer for the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute. She joined the ARM Institute in May 2017 as the Director of Membership and Outreach.  She moved to the position of Chief Workforce Officer in 2019 and she is responsible for driving the Education & Workforce Development vision for ARM in conjunction with the ARM membership, the federal and state government partners, and other expert stakeholders. 

Lisa brings with her over 25 years of experience as a performance-driven leader with notable success in cultivating and executing business strategies and formulating long-term strategic client relationships.  She has proven success in developing business solutions, commercialization of products, technology transfer, and technological initiatives that have supported organizational growth, improved staff productivity, and increased value to many communities of practice. Critical to her success is the ability to increase awareness and drive thought leadership position by designing and executing innovative programs as well as developing and launching new, value-add offerings for ongoing competitiveness. Lisa received a Bachelor’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University and 2 Master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University. 

In 2021, Lisa was recognized as one of 20 world-wide Exceptional Women in Robotics and Automation by SME. In 2022, she was recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as a Women of Influence and was also part of the inaugural Technical.ly Pittsburgh RealLIST Connectors list, which recognizes the top 100 influential leaders in Pittsburgh tech.