This workshop covers PLC hardware connectivity via Ethernet, USB, and COM ports, including essential techniques for uploading and managing existing projects. You will learn to navigate Ladder Logic and Function Block Diagram (FBD) environments, comparing their file structures and addressing schemes. Through hands-on exercises, you'll program basic I/O, series and parallel circuits, and latching functions in both languages.
Discover how Bambu Lab 3D printing technology can build industry-ready skills for CTE students. Gain hands-on experience creating projects that prepare learners for careers in advanced manufacturing and design.
Engage with cutting-edge desktop robotic arms from WLKata, paired with hands-on curriculum designed for real-world learning. Participants will also receive a free classroom set of ABB Robotics software simulation licenses to extend learning beyond the lab.
This hands‑on workshop for CTE, manufacturing, and industrial technology educators demonstrates scalable, low‑risk CNC instruction using FANUC CNC Machining Simulators and Levil Technology classroom CNC machines: participants will learn to use simulation to teach fundamentals, programming, setup, troubleshooting, and robotics before students touch live equipment—reducing scrap, crashes, and equipment downtime while accelerating competency‑based learning aligned with industry expectations and NOCTI FANUC credentials—and will see how compact Levil machines let students safely run real FANUC‑controlled programs in limited lab space and budgets, linking simulation to hands‑on skills and preparing students for automated, data‑driven production where FANUC controls are widely used.
Get hands-on with mechatronics to explore the theory and logic control of electro-pneumatic devices using Festo MecLabs that can lead to 3M certification and are featured in the Mechatronics Competition for KY and National SkillsUSA. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop to the Bluegrass booth to download the software before the workshop.
Regional Coordinators - required to attend. Every SkillsUSA advisor is invited to attend and meet their regional coordinator. As a state team, we will plan and organize regional competitions for the 2026-2027 school year. Attendees will gain more insight into SkillsUSA Championships and be given the opportunity to network with others in their field.
Explaining manufacturing and industrial maintenance careers to students can be challenging. Aligning curriculum across high schools, colleges, universities, and industry partners is even more difficult. The Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) has emerged as a powerful solution helping educators and employers align training programs through nationally recognized, industry-driven credentials. SACA provides clearly mapped dual-credit pathways and a practical framework for student assessment, workforce training, and career advancement. Recent developments have elevated SACA credentials among leading manufacturers and post-secondary programs in manufacturing and applied engineering technology. In this session, you'll discover how SACA can strengthen your program, expand student opportunities, and be implemented quickly and affordably while keeping your curriculum aligned with real workforce needs.
