2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

NSF-ATE AMTEC Institute for Industry 4.0 Innovation (AI3)

Presented at NSF Grantees Poster Session I

To help meet the increasing workforce demand for manufacturing technicians, a professional development institute has been established for career and technical instructors, funded by a grant award from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) program. The AMTEC Institute for Industry 4.0 Innovation (DUE 2350012) is a professional development opportunity for engineering and advanced manufacturing program faculty at high schools, two-year technical colleges, and universities. The goal of this institute is to increase Industry 4.0 skill levels of manufacturing technicians and technician training programs by providing skilled instructors with a comprehensive training program that encourages incorporation of new technologies into the classroom. During the two-day in-person program, sessions provide training on Industry 4.0 skills, virtual/augmented reality technologies, and Competency-Based Education. The agenda is supported by an Industry 4.0 skills standard that was established in 2022 as part of a former NSF ATE grant award, Strengthening the Industry 4.0 Workforce through Virtual Reality (VR) Training (DUE 2142868). The skills standard was validated and finalized based on input from industry subject matter experts from Boeing, Toyota, Toyotetsu, Interactive Training Systems, and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. These same experts provided additional feedback on Industry 4.0 skills through a survey in 2025 to help the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC) establish the institute’s agenda. Partnering with nationally known industry partners, zSpace and Multi-Skill Training Services, has allowed AMTEC to use a hybrid approach during the in-person portion of training to combine hands-on lab exercises and lectures that are supplemented with handouts. Continued guidance is offered through virtual monthly Community of Practice sessions that focus on supportive resources such as industry and educational partnerships and past grant archives that provide free resources. Based on survey data, the institute has been successful in helping instructors learn more about Industry 4.0 skills. In the survey responses received, the majority of instructors indicated their knowledge increased, and they will use the tools, resources, and information learned in their own classrooms. Based on data and anecdotal observations, an institute that offers a hybrid approach and focuses on the latest technologies and skills can help increase Industry 4.0 skill levels of technicians by preparing instructors with tools for the classroom that will help their students prepare for careers in industry.

Authors

Jason Simon AMTEC [biography]

Jason Simon is a nationally recognized leader in advanced manufacturing education and workforce development. As Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC) at Owensboro Community & Technical College, Jason drives a bold vision to modernize technical education through innovation, industry alignment, and scalable strategy.

With more than 20 years of experience spanning instructional design, systems integration, and multimedia development, Jason has led transformative initiatives that position AMTEC at the forefront of Industry 4.0 training. He is a two-time Principal Investigator for National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) grants, having spearheaded the creation of immersive virtual reality training systems and nationwide educator development programs.

Under Jason’s leadership, AMTEC has established high-impact partnerships with industry giants such as Boeing, Toyota, and zSpace, launching programs that blend IoT, automation, and robotics into dynamic curricula. His thought leadership is regularly featured at national conferences, where he advocates for integrating emerging technologies into technical education to meet future workforce demands.

Jason’s strategic contributions to Owensboro Community & Technical College include the development of scalable safety training systems and multi-state eLearning platforms. His career began with distinguished service as Production Manager for the 1st Marine Division Combat Camera in the United States Marine Corps, laying the foundation for a career defined by mission-driven innovation.

He holds a graduate degree in Career and Technical Education with a specialization in systems management from Morehead State University.
Cadie Underwood Owensboro Community and Technical College/Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative [biography]

Cadie Underwood serves as the Project Manager for the AMTEC Institute for Industry 4.0 Innovation (AI3). Cadie has been part of the team at Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) since 2017 having served previously as the Advancement Specialist in OCTC’s Office of Institutional Advancement. Cadie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Western Kentucky University, and she holds two associate degrees from Owensboro Community and Technical College.
Terry Ryan Hall
Christi Midkiff Owensboro Community and Technical College [biography]

Christi is the Senior Director of Workforce Development at Owensboro Community and Technical College. She was previously the Director of Grants and Contracts and has over twenty-five years of experience in grant writing and program management.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 21, 2026, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 24, 2026

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