SE Valley Times

Arizona State University (ASU) is tackling the ongoing challenge of a skilled labor shortage in the manufacturing sector with a new initiative. As industries integrate emerging technologies, traditional training methods are struggling to keep pace. ASU's project incorporates innovative techniques such as virtual reality simulation and hands-on training systems.

Nondestructive testing (NDT) is crucial for ensuring product safety and reliability without causing damage. However, according to Ehsan Dehghan-Niri, an associate professor at ASU and lead for the Certification to Degree (C2D) project, "Our traditional training programs are severely outdated." He emphasizes that despite technological advancements, training has not reached its full potential.

To address this gap, Dehghan-Niri and his team secured a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Manufacturing Engineering Education Program. The goal is to develop a manufacturing workforce pipeline capable of supporting military forces.

The C2D Consortium includes collaboration with New Mexico State University, Navajo Technical University, and the American Aerospace Technical Academy. This partnership aims to provide hybrid certification programs focused on STEM-based certifications with pathways to degrees.

"We’re creating a benchmark for modern training in manufacturing," says Dehghan-Niri. The project utilizes interactive cybertools that replace expensive physical samples with virtual equivalents, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in training.

Kurtis Hohman, project manager of C2D, explains that while hands-on training remains integral, their approach makes it more efficient by allowing students to visualize processes before real-world application.

Initial tests compared traditional methods with those incorporating simulation tools. According to Marc Aparicio, a graduate research associate supporting C2D, "While the traditional group answered general questions better, the simulation-trained students excelled in areas directly linked to the new tools."

Beyond academic performance improvements, C2D focuses on empowering veterans and underrepresented groups in manufacturing. Dehghan-Niri notes that these programs offer hope and opportunity by opening doors to high-demand jobs.

The project's approach draws inspiration from healthcare's integration of simulation into mandatory training programs. Aparicio states that just as medical training ensures patient safety, modernized NDT training prevents disasters like jet engine failures.

By combining simulation tools with hands-on experience, ASU aims to create a skilled workforce ready for future challenges. The program seeks not only to address current workforce shortages but also lay the groundwork for long-term transformation in technical education.

"We’re not just addressing a workforce shortage," Dehghan-Niri concludes. "We’re creating a system that empowers individuals."