Rhode Island ACTE Summer Conference Debrief

Assistant Director Wendy Robicheau explains some of NCNGM's programs offered to an educator.

The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, funded by the National Science Foundation, proudly sponsored, exhibited, and presented at the Rhode Island Association for Career Technician Education Summer Conference. The New England Institute of Technology, a private institution for accelerated learning, hosted the conference, which focuses on career technician education. The conference brought together stakeholders, educators, and industry leaders invested in shaping the future of Rhode Island's technical training.

Ricardo Pimentel, President of the Rhode Island ACTE Conference Committee, addresses the audience and introduces the Association for Career Technician Education (ACTE), a national organization.

The event opened with a welcome address from Rhode Island ACTE chapter president Ricardo Pimentel. His opening remarks set a positive tone for the day, as he thanked attendees and highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing career and technical education (CTE). Pimentel also acknowledged the day's generous sponsors, emphasizing their vital role in supporting educational initiatives that foster innovation and skill development among students.

Following the introduction, the audience heard an inspiring keynote address from Matt Mervis, Director of Skills21 & AI Strategy at EdAdvance. Known for his expertise in integrating technology into educational frameworks, Mervis captivated the audience with insights on the transformative power of artificial intelligence and its implications for CTE. His address highlighted current trends in education and offered a forward-thinking perspective on how educators can leverage AI to improve learning outcomes and better prepare students for the workforce.

Ricardo Pimentel of RIACTE, Joe Parlier, and Ashley Lupinacci of zSpace introduce Matt Mervis for the keynote address.

In addition to the keynote, Mervis participated in a panel discussion titled "From Screen Time to Screen Value: Redefining CTE and STEM Learning with AR/VR." This panel featured representatives from zSpace, another key sponsor of the event, and explored the innovative applications of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in CTE and STEM education. The discussion revolved around how these technologies can engage students in immersive learning experiences, making complex concepts more accessible and interactive. The panelists shared real-world examples and case studies, illustrating AR/VR's potential to enhance student engagement and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Another session featured Mervis for a presentation titled "From Prompts to Prototypes: Vibe Coding the Future of CTE." This session focused on the emerging trend of coding and its relevance to CTE. Mervis emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of creativity and innovation among students, encouraging them to move beyond passive technology consumption to active creation and problem-solving. He discussed various tools and methodologies that can empower students to design and prototype their ideas, thus preparing them for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.

Wendy Robicheau engages with a high school CTE educator on applications of AI in Manufacturing.

During the conference, the NCNGM presented a session on "Preparing Technicians for AI-Driven Advanced Manufacturing." This session examined AI applications in manufacturing, covering areas such as computer vision, safety protocols, predictive maintenance, quality control, and the supply chain. NCNGM also highlighted industry-led initiatives for students in Connecticut. One such initiative was the MET2 project, which emphasized the industry's need for technicians to generate synthetic data on vibration, temperature, coolant, material hardness, and unique tool data from actual CNC machines. Students also learned to extract and process data using Random Forest, XGBoost, and Deep Learning Models, alongside developing technical skills. Another hands-on extension of this project was led by Central Connecticut State University and Connecticut State Community College. Students engaged in managing a human-supervised, simulation-validated engineering workflow that linked natural-language process requirements, automation architecture, virtual commissioning, and real-world system integration. This data will then instruct robots to operate as directed, helping technicians diagnose and complete shop-floor tasks with AI support. These examples illustrate only a small portion of the significant industry demand for AI applications in manufacturing facilities, and the NCNGM is proud to assist students and faculty in their research aimed at enhancing technician education.

Wendy Robicheau presents the NCNGM presentation "Preparing Technicians for AI-Driven Advanced Manufacturing"

The RIACTE Conference also honored and celebrated the remarkable contributions of educators who have shown exceptional commitment and dedication over the past year. This year’s conference highlighted the invaluable role these educators play in shaping students' futures and preparing them for successful careers in various fields. The awardees were Dimitri Ashby, named Outstanding CTE Teacher of the Year, and Chef Jess, named Outstanding First-Year CTE Educator.

Acknowledging these outstanding educators at the RIACTE Conference not only celebrates their individual achievements but also highlights the collective effort of educators in career and technical education. Such recognition encourages a culture of excellence and motivates other educators to strive for similar achievements in their teaching practices. The conference provides a platform for sharing best practices, networking, and professional development, ultimately helping enhance career and technical education programs across the region.

Matt Mervis and Dimitri Ashby discuss Artificial Intelligence's impact on career technical education.

Matt Mervis concluded the conference with his engaging presentation. He emphasized the ongoing demand for skilled trades across sectors, highlighting the critical role these professions play in the economy and society. Mervis shared compelling statistics and case studies showing that trades are not only essential but also experiencing a renaissance as modern infrastructure and technology grow more complex, and parents seek lucrative opportunities for their children's futures.

He also tackled the common misconception that artificial intelligence (AI) is absent in the trades, clarifying that this is far from the truth. Mervis pointed out that AI and automation are making significant inroads into the trades sector, enhancing productivity and safety. His presentation also discussed how integrating AI in education can improve training programs, drawing on insights from this year's awarded faculty on implementing AI in their courses. Mervis left the audience with a powerful message: the future of skilled trades is not only secure but is also evolving in tandem with technological advancements. Combining human expertise with AI tools can create unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth in career technician education.

Marco Taverner, Community Engagement Coordinator for the NCNGM, listens to a Snap-On representative discuss their career technician education offerings, including equipment for educational institutions.

Other supporting organizations of the Rhode Island ACTE Summer Conference include: LIUNA!, EduPolaris AI Corporation, SkillsUSA, Delta Dental Ins., Pearson, Lori Ferguson Consulting, YouScience, Savvas Learning Company, zSpace, Inc., The College Board, Brisk Teaching, Paxton/Patterson Labs, Lakeshore Learning Materials, Rhode Island Nursing Education Center, Snap-on, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Roger Williams University, Lincoln Tech, WindWinRI, VR Core Education, MyCareerCloset, Rhode Island College, FCCLA, Del's Lemonade, and Trader Joe's.