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Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) has successfully completed the Yaskawa Motoman Endorsed Robotics Instructor Training (MERIT) Program, becoming a certified training center for YRC1000 Basic Programming and Basic Programming with Material Handling. The achievement expands access to industry-recognized robotics training for students, manufacturers and workforce professionals throughout Northeast Texas and the surrounding region.
Developed by Yaskawa Academy, the MERIT Program prepares educational institutions to deliver the same high-quality robotics curriculum taught by Yaskawa's certified instructors. Through the program, schools gain the knowledge, instructional resources and ongoing support needed to provide consistent, hands-on robotics training aligned with today's manufacturing workforce.
NTCC's partnership with Yaskawa was driven by increasing demand for automation training across Northeast Texas. Supported by grant funding and growing adoption of robotics among local manufacturers, the program creates a convenient training resource for companies looking to develop robotics talent closer to home.
"The combination of grant funding and advancements in local industries gave the push to partner Northeast Texas Community College with Yaskawa," said Kevin Frost, Director of Industrial Technology and Training at Northeast Texas Community College. "A large part of this partnership was Priefert Manufacturing and other local companies exploring robotic automation and wanting training close to home."
By offering YRC1000 training locally, NTCC provides manufacturers throughout Texas and neighboring states with greater access to robotics education while helping prepare the next generation of skilled automation professionals. Local companies such as Priefert Manufacturing and Diamond C Trailers can now benefit from nearby training opportunities, while students gain practical experience with industrial robotics that helps them stand out as they enter the workforce.
Looking ahead, NTCC plans to expand both its course offerings and training capacity, with the long-term goal of providing additional YRC1000 courses, including Maintenance training, while serving more students and manufacturers across the region.
"The MERIT Program was created to make high-quality robotics education more accessible while maintaining the same standards and instructional excellence delivered through Yaskawa Academy," said Cole Goodrich, Yaskawa Academy MERIT Training Instructor. "NTCC's commitment to workforce development will help strengthen the region's manufacturing community by providing students and industry professionals with the skills needed to succeed in today's increasingly automated facilities."
NTCC joins a growing network of educational institutions partnering with Yaskawa to strengthen robotics education and workforce development. Among them is the LeTourneau University Robotics Training Center in Longview, Texas, which offers certified Yaskawa training courses focused on robot programming, I/O and arc welding. Together, these partnerships are expanding access to industry-recognized robotics training while helping address the growing demand for skilled automation professionals.
For more information, visit Yaskawa at www.motoman.com.
To learn more about Northeast Texas Community College’s programs and training, visit NTCC Industrial Technology - Robotics/Automation page, or visit LeTourneau University's Robotics Training Center.
