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For Peyton Wellman, a 2023 graduate of Bloom-Carroll High School, a passion for hands-on engineering and a drive to enter the workforce quickly led him to Ģ����Ƶ University Lancaster’s Engineering Technology program.

Less than two years later, Wellman has accepted a full-time position as a field service technician at Path Robotics, a Columbus-based leader in AI-driven robotic welding systems, with a start date of June 16.

“I never imagined I’d land a job this fast, especially with a company like Path Robotics,” said Wellman. “The program at OHIO Lancaster gave me the skills, the lab time and the industry exposure I needed to feel confident walking into a high-tech role.”

Wellman’s journey reflects the success of Ģ����Ƶ University Lancaster’s Engineering Technology program. Launched as a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree, the program equips students with practical expertise in manufacturing processes, quality-analysis tools, occupational safety and electronics through immersive, hands-on lab courses.

“I learned a multitude of essential skills needed for the industry,” Wellman shared. “Some of those include electrical and mechanical knowledge and skills, PLC programming, CNC programming, automation skills, Lean Enterprise skills and many more.”

Fairfield County Workforce Center provides students with opportunities

At the Fairfield County Workforce Center, OHIO Lancaster offers the core classes in the Engineering Technology associate’s degree program as well as three one-year certificate programs in Automation, Mechatronics and Semiconductor Technician. These programs equip students with the skills needed to compete for high-demand positions including maintenance technicians, engineering technicians, field service technicians and quality technicians.

“Peyton demonstrated intense curiosity throughout his courses here at Ģ����Ƶ University,” said Mark Wile, assistant professor of instruction of engineering and technology. “His passion for learning and willingness to jump in and get his hands dirty led to his success in the Engineering Technology degree program. These attributes will continue to drive his success in future endeavors.”

In 2022, the program relocated to the Fairfield County Workforce Center in Carroll, Ģ����Ƶ, This was part of a partnership between OHIO Lancaster, the Fairfield County Commissioners and Hocking College. This move provided students with expanded lab space and direct access to local industry partners.

This year marks the five-year anniversary of the Fairfield County Workforce Center, and Ģ����Ƶ University Lancaster is proud to have been a collaborator since the very beginning. Established in 2020 through a joint venture among the Fairfield County Commissioners, Ģ����Ƶ University Lancaster, OHIO's Russ College of Engineering and Technology, and Hocking College, the Center offers training programs tailored to high-demand industries—including advanced manufacturing, skilled trades and health care—and advances regional economic development through workforce education.

In November 2024, the Center unveiled its new $2 million Engineering Technology Lab, outfitted with $1.5 million in state-of-the-art equipment. The lab provides students with real-world experience in robotics, CNC programming, electronics, manufacturing processes and safety protocols—directly mirroring the technologies and workflows found in modern industry.

“Working in the new lab was an amazing experience,” said Wellman. “All the equipment is brand new and has the latest technology. This equipment is pivotal for the next generation like myself to learn these skills.”

Wellman also praised the program’s curriculum and faculty.

“The curriculum and faculty gave me all the information and skills to get my foot in the door," Wellman said. "The program touches on a lot of different skillsets which make you versatile and ready to accomplish whatever task you receive in the workforce.”

He credits both OHIO Lancaster and the Fairfield County Workforce Center with creating an ideal learning environment.

“The Workforce Center provided us with an amazing space to learn in. It was also very easy to commute to,” Wellman said.

Looking ahead to his new career, offering advice to new students

, the company Wellman will soon join, is at the forefront of reshaping manufacturing through AI-powered robotic welding systems. Their technology adapts in real-time to ensure precision and efficiency, and field service technicians like Wellman play a crucial role in installing, maintaining, and optimizing these systems for customers across industries.

As Wellman prepares to begin his new role, he’s looking forward to applying his training and continuing to grow.

“I'm excited to be a valuable asset to a team and company by using my skills and experience from this program,” he said. “I'm also very excited to continue learning new skills and experience that I will develop at Path Robotics.”  

Wellman also has a message for current high school students considering a career in engineering technology.

“Come into the program humble and ready to learn,” he said. “I learned new things every day and constantly developed new skills. Also be ready to make mistakes and improve from them.” 

The partnership between OHIO Lancaster and the Fairfield County Workforce Center exemplifies how targeted education and industry collaboration can streamline students’ paths from the classroom to high-demand careers.