EATONTOWN, N.J., June 20, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the eighteenth year in a row, Festo Didactic – a leading provider of technical education equipment and training solutions in North America – is proud to be a sponsor of the annual SkillsUSA Mechatronics Competition. More than 50 high school and college students will compete in this specific area of competition. By working with the cutting edge, factory floor-ready equipment supplied by Festo, contestants have the unique opportunity to engage in learning beyond the classroom and put their knowledge to the test in a real-world situation.
Competitors will build a mechatronic system according to a mock-up scenario of actual industrial application using a schematic and supplied specifications to prove their expertise in mechanical, pneumatics, electrical, and electronic components. Working against the clock and each other, contestants will be judged for accuracy and neatness, as well as general interdisciplinary knowledge of the individual technologies and how they interact in an integrated system.
“It’s inspiring to see so many students interested in advanced manufacturing and mechatronics. Festo Didactic is proud to provide equipment for students to showcase their skills and hone their ability to troubleshoot on sophisticated industrial machines,” said Thomas Lichtenberger, President and CEO of Festo Didactic. “We couldn’t be prouder to be part of these students’ journey. Together we’re learning, innovating, and creating jobs of future.”
Evaluation criteria: Teams must demonstrate competency in the following areas:
- Interpret mechanical blueprints
- Install, adjust and troubleshoot mechanical, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic and electrical systems and components
- Install a pre-programmed PLC (high school level contestants)
- Install and program a PLC (college/post-secondary contestants)
- System troubleshooting
- Written exam
- Oral exam
For more information, please visit http://www.festo-didactic.com/us-en/ or https://www.skillsusa.org/events/national-leadership-skills-conference-2/
About Festo Didactic
Festo Didactic is a leading provider of technical education equipment and training. Festo’s educational solutions evolved from its world-class automation and engineering division and integrates the latest trends in each learning system it offers. The innovative product range allows educators and trainers to equip their classroom with the technology they need, from individual workstations to complete Learning Factories, as well as training and consulting, eLearning, courseware solutions, and Learning Management Systems integration. For more information visit http://www.festo-didactic.com/us-en/
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a vital solution to the growing U.S. skills gap. This nonprofit partnership of students, instructors and industry ensures America has the skilled workforce it needs to stay competitive. Founded in 1965 and endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, the association serves more than 360,000-member students and instructors each year in middle schools, high schools and colleges. This diverse talent pipeline covers 130 trade, technical and skilled service occupations, the majority STEM-related. More than 600 corporations, trade associations, businesses and labor unions support SkillsUSA at the national level. SkillsUSA programs are integrated into career and technical education through a framework of personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics. Local, state and national championships, designed and judged by industry, set relevant standards for career and technical education and provide needed recognition to students. SkillsUSA also offers technical skill assessments and workplace credentials. For more information, go to: www.SkillsUSA.org.
Media Contacts:
Corinne Haley
Corinne.haley@festo.com
848.777.2009
Taylor Schillace
tschillace@wearecsg.com
720.726.5450