As digital transformation continues to reshape the manufacturing sector, Washington state needs to ramp up an inclusive workforce to keep pace with evolving technology. That’s one of the critical issues on the docket at the Industry 4.0: The Industrial Metaverse & Sustainable Innovation summit Oct. 16-17.

Presented by Clover Park Technical College’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Siemens Digital Enterprise Services, the free event will cover topics that are critical to the development of a more sustainable and equitable education and workforce system.

Delve into the metaverse

The event features a robust agenda focused on how the industrial metaverse is transforming industries and driving sustainable solutions.

Attendees can expect to:

• • Network with metaverse innovators, educators and leaders.
  • Peruse Industry 4.0 technology and labs in CPTC’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing.
  • Hear a keynote address from Siemens Automation Strategy Head Kathryn Rose about the industrial metaverse and its impact on the converging IT/OT landscape.
  • Learn more about industrial metaverse experiences and real-world applications that are transforming manufacturing and other sectors.
  • Experience an immersive showcase that features CPTC’s Mechatronics and Manufacturing Engineering Technologies
  • Celebrate CPTC’s recent U.S. National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grant and the opportunities it will create for students and the community.
  • Learn about Siemens’ NextGen P2P digital platform for purchasing and invoice processing, as well its Automation Cooperates with Education training curriculum and Lifelong Educational Advantage Program (LEAP) designed to boost career-readiness.

The future of manufacturing

Industry 4.0 – also called the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” – aims to automate many manufacturing tasks and make processes smarter and faster. The fast-changing manufacturing landscape doesn’t mean machines will replace people.

“It’s a common misconception that automation eliminates jobs, but it actually creates new jobs and opportunities,” CPTC Dean of Instruction Claire Korschinowski said. “We need humans to operate and maintain this technology. The goal is to reskill and upskill people to put them in these new roles, not take them out of the workforce.”

If you’re ready to be inspired by the next wave of technological advancements, check out the event agenda and secure your spot at cptc.edu/industrial-metaverse.