FORT PIERCE — Indian River State College (IRSC) will host the “Smart Automation Summit: Building the Future Workforce” on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eastman College’s Advanced Workforce Training Complex in Fort Pierce. This free event brings together education and industry leaders to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in automation and advanced manufacturing.

The summit will explore how the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) is reshaping workforce development through industry-aligned certifications and standards. Topics include SACA’s vision and mission, its role in growing the manufacturing workforce, industry-academia collaboration, and IRSC’s advanced manufacturing programs.

“In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, the demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, president of IRSC. “This summit represents an important opportunity to strengthen the pipeline between education and industry, ensuring our students graduate with the exact skills employers need in advanced manufacturing.”

Natalia Chekhovskaya, executive director of Advanced Manufacturing and director of the Center for Laser and Fiber Optics Education at IRSC, added: “The Smart Automation Summit at Indian River State College demonstrates our shared commitment to developing a future-ready workforce. Our industry-aligned certifications provide the framework for educational institutions to deliver precisely what automation and manufacturing employers require from their workforce.”

The event is designed for educators, industry professionals, and anyone interested in workforce development trends. Attendees will gain valuable insights from leaders in both education and industry sectors while networking with peers committed to addressing skills gaps in manufacturing and automation.

The summit will be held at the IRSC Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex, located at 3209 Virginia Ave. in Fort Pierce. While the event is free, registration is required. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/SmartAutomationSummit. A working lunch will be provided.

In addition to presenters IRSC and SACA, event sponsors include Amatrol, and DC Jaeger. For questions about the event, contact awrobel@irsc.edu.