Tech-Labs

09/02/2026

Oklahoma’s advanced-manufacturing economy is gaining a major new solar investment.

Nextnova plans to open a 2 GW solar-cell manufacturing facility in Yukon, with mass production expected to begin in 2027. The operation could initially employ approximately 300 people and eventually expand to 5 GW of annual production capacity.

Solar manufacturing is also an automation and workforce-development story. Modern production depends on technicians with skills in process control, instrumentation, electrical systems, quality assurance, material traceability, and advanced manufacturing.

Developing those skills through hands-on technical education will be essential as Oklahoma’s clean-energy manufacturing sector grows.

Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q04vGNpp0

The company, a partner of Thornova Solar, says it expects to begin mass production by March 2027, employing as many as 300 people. Nextnova says the facility could expand to 5 GW in annual capacity as market demand grows.

08/29/2026

Texas’ semiconductor footprint continues to grow—this time at Giga Texas.

According to new state filings, Tesla plans three semiconductor facilities at its Austin campus: North Campus Manufacturing, the Austin Semiconductor Fab, and Cortex 2.0. The filings list a targeted completion date of December 2029.

Facilities like these require more than buildings and advanced equipment. They depend on technicians with hands-on skills in electronics, automated manufacturing, robotics, mechatronics, instrumentation, process control and troubleshooting.

The workforce needed in 2029 must be prepared now through strong CTE and postsecondary technical programs.

Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q04vGN-p0

Construction was expected to begin this week.

08/28/2026

☀️ The future of solar is bright in Texas — and so is the need for a skilled workforce.

As solar energy continues to expand across the state, schools and workforce-development programs can prepare students for careers in this growing industry.

Our partner Amatrol Inc. takes a closer look at what’s driving solar growth in Texas and why technical skills will be essential to supporting it.

🔗 Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q04vCM8Y0

08/28/2026

Advanced manufacturing is becoming more connected—and CNC training needs to keep pace.

FANUC America Corporation has launched its new 5-Axis Integrated Technology Initiative to better align CNC machines, CAD/CAM systems, post processors, and FANUC technologies for more efficient, consistent complex machining.

For technical education and workforce programs, it’s another example of why students need experience with the complete modern manufacturing workflow—not just individual machines.

Learn more:
https://hubs.ly/Q04vCN8b0

Unify CNC, CAD/CAM, post processors and FANUC in a modern 5‑axis workflow to simplify programming, cut setup time, and deliver consistent results.

08/25/2026

Building semiconductor plants is only part of the equation. The industry also needs a skilled workforce prepared to operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve these highly advanced facilities.

This article highlights some of the most-needed semiconductor careers—and the education, technical skills, and hands-on experience that can help students enter the field.

As semiconductor manufacturing expands across Texas and the United States, schools, colleges, and workforce programs have an important opportunity to begin building these career pathways now.

“The current Texas semiconductor workforce is about 51,500 people. That’s going to grow exponentially. And we’ve projected within a working group a gap of 35,000 employees by 2035,” Clayton Huber, director of workforce development at the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute, said.

Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q04vg4LM0

Texas needs thousands more workers to keep up with its growing semiconductor industry according to Huber, and a college degree isn’t necessarily required to help fill that gap.

08/24/2026

Is your HVAC training lab truly preparing students for the field—or are hidden training gaps holding them back?

From limited hands-on time and outdated technology to a lack of realistic troubleshooting opportunities, even a well-equipped lab can have gaps that affect student readiness.

Our latest guide explores how HVAC educators can:

🔧 Evaluate hands-on training and equipment access
⚡ Identify missing skills and troubleshooting opportunities
🌡️ Keep pace with current HVAC technology
🎓 Prioritize lab upgrades based on student and workforce needs
🤝 Use industry partnerships to strengthen training

See how a competency-driven approach can help build a more industry-aligned, workforce-ready HVAC training lab.

08/19/2026

Electrical training programs are facing new challenges—from workforce shortages and retirements to increasing employer demand for hands-on technical skills.

To help educators and workforce leaders navigate these challenges, we've created a free guide outlining practical strategies for building workforce-ready electrical training programs.

Inside the guide:
⚡ Workforce development trends
⚡ Program planning considerations
⚡ Equipment and curriculum strategies
⚡ Certification pathways
⚡ Program growth and sustainability

Download your free copy today and explore ways to strengthen electrical training outcomes for your students and communities.

📘 Download the Guide: https://hubs.ly/Q04mj4ny0

08/18/2026

🔧 Keep Your Training Equipment Running.

When equipment is down, training can stop. That’s why Tech-Labs makes it easy to get the support you need when you need it.

Look for the Tech-Labs Support sticker on your equipment. It puts our support phone number, email, and QR code right at your fingertips, so instructors and staff know exactly where to turn when they need assistance.

Don’t see a Tech-Labs Support sticker on your equipment? Contact your Tech-Labs sales representative, and we’ll help make sure your equipment is labeled with the support information your team needs.

From troubleshooting and technical questions to keeping your training systems performing at their best, Tech-Labs is here to help keep your program up and running.

08/18/2026

🤖 Automation is changing food & beverage manufacturing — and the workforce needs to be ready.

Labor shortages, increasing product variety, frequent changeovers, and pressure to improve productivity are driving more food and beverage manufacturers toward robotic automation.

As this FANUC America Corporation article highlights, standardized robotic solutions are making automation more accessible. Applications like palletizing and case packing can provide manufacturers with a practical starting point while improving consistency, flexibility, and productivity.

But implementing automation is only part of the equation.
Manufacturers also need employees with the skills to operate, troubleshoot, maintain, and support increasingly automated production environments.

That makes technical training a key part of any automation strategy—from foundational industrial skills to robotics, controls, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

📖 Read FANUC America's article:
https://hubs.ly/Q04tm7RP0

Standardized robotic palletizing and case-packing solutions help food manufacturers boost efficiency and overcome labor shortages.

07/28/2026

The future of semiconductor manufacturing depends on more than new fabrication facilities—it depends on the people who will operate them.

But before students can pursue careers in semiconductors, they need to know those careers exist.

In the second installment of our Semiconductor Workforce Development Series, we explore why building the talent pipeline starts long before hiring. From early career awareness to STEM education, hands-on learning, and partnerships between industry and education, creating a stronger workforce begins by inspiring the next generation.

Read the latest article:

🔗 Building the Semiconductor Talent Pipeline: Inspiring the Next Generation of Chipmakers
https://hubs.ly/Q04r2D730

How is your organization helping students discover careers in advanced manufacturing?