ATEC Academy Students Gain Access to Advanced Manufacturing Tech Through New Lab

October 5, 2026 - 21:09

Students at ATEC Academy in Aberdeen now have hands on access to modern manufacturing equipment through a new lab space. The project received backing from 3M and Heart of America, two organizations working to expand educational opportunities in technical fields.

The Future Makers Lab gives students the chance to work with tools and systems that reflect what they will encounter in real production environments. This matters because manufacturing has changed significantly in recent years. Automation, precision machining, and digital design are now standard parts of the job, and schools often struggle to keep pace with the cost of updating their equipment.

By placing current technology directly in classrooms, the lab aims to close that gap. Students can practice skills that employers actually need, rather than learning on outdated machines that no longer match industry standards.

Teachers at the academy say the new resources will help learners build confidence before they enter the workforce or pursue further training. The lab also opens the door to project based learning, where students design, test, and refine their own builds from start to finish.

Supporters of the effort point out that early exposure to advanced tools can shape career choices. When young people see what modern manufacturing looks like, they are more likely to consider it as a path forward. The lab is expected to serve students across multiple programs at the academy.