Windsor Shapes Its Future Workforce at the 11th Annual FIRST Robotics Competition

The Windsor Essex Great Lakes FIRST Robotics Competition is set to take place from April 10-11 at the St. Denis Athletic & Community Centre, featuring 35 high school teams from across Ontario competing in an event titled "REBUILT," presented by Haas. This free event serves as a platform for students to showcase their skills in advanced manufacturing, automation, and technology.

One of the key strengths of the Windsor Essex FIRST Robotics program is its collaboration with local post-secondary institutions, most notably the University of Windsor and St. Clair College. These institutions provide vital support to participating students through dedicated bursaries and scholarships, facilitating their transition into programs related to engineering, technology, and skilled trades. They also contribute in-kind services, offering access to machine shops, workspace, and volunteer mentorship, ensuring that students have the necessary resources and guidance to thrive.

Larry Koscielski, Vice President of Process & Technology Development at CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd. and Chair of Windsor-Essex FIRST Robotics, emphasized that the competition has evolved into a significant event over the past decade, serving as a launchpad for the next generation of engineers, skilled trades professionals, programmers, and entrepreneurs. Alumni from this program have successfully joined leading regional companies, underscoring the initiative's impact on local workforce development.

Since its inception in Windsor in 2014, the local FIRST Robotics community has seen considerable growth, driven by the collaboration of academic institutions, educators, mentors, industry leaders, and organizations dedicated to fostering student success.

In addition to the competitive robotics activities, the event offers a range of interactive experiences for attendees, including live performances (such as those by the Stilt Guy), a DJ, a photo booth, and limited-edition event stickers designed by local artist Jeff Denomme of The Haunted Zoo, while supplies last.

Event details include:

- Location: St. Denis Athletic & Community Centre (2555 College Ave, Windsor, ON)
- Dates & Times:
- Friday, April 10: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, April 11: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Parking: Available at nearby lots (Human Kinetics, St. Denis, and Stadium).

For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the event will also be available, allowing broader access to what promises to be an exciting and inspiring experience.

In summary, the Windsor Essex Great Lakes FIRST Robotics Competition not only emphasizes competition and innovation but also highlights the community's dedication to nurturing skills that are critical for the future labor market in advanced manufacturing and technology.