Manufacturing Automation Controls Fellow — Veteran Transition Program

From service to industry impact

Are you a U.S. military veteran or transitioning service member looking to translate mission‑critical problem solving into a high‑tech manufacturing career? Imagine tracing a process fault from an HMI alarm through PLC logic to a misconfigured VFD—and resolving it with confidence. That’s the kind of capability you’ll build at the Academy of Advanced Manufacturing.

This in‑residence program blends structured lessons with intensive lab time to develop modern automation, instrumentation, and controls skills—then connects you to full‑time roles through an integrated hiring process with program‑affiliated manufacturers.

Where and when

• Location: Rockwell Automation Global Headquarters, Milwaukee, WI
• Housing: Cambria Hotel (Downtown Milwaukee)
• Transportation: Monday–Friday shuttle to and from training
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (with a one‑hour lunch break)
• Duration: 11 weeks
• Training Wage: $12/hour
• Program Cost: 100% free to U.S. Military Veterans and transitioning Service Members
• Training Mix: Approximately 70% hands‑on lab/realistic scenarios and 30% classroom foundations

What you’ll master

• Industrial Automation Principles
• Logix Foundation
• Logix Troubleshooting
• EOI Maintenance
• Industrial Controls Network
• Instrumentation
• Motor Control
• Variable Frequency Drives

Hands‑on tools and systems

• Hand/electrical tools (wiring tools, multimeters)
• Industrial controllers
• Human‑machine interfaces (HMIs)
• Low‑voltage motors
• Variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Instrumentation devices
• Industrial networking gear
• Company‑issued computer loaded with training software

What your day looks like

Start with a briefing, then rotate through lab stations to practice live troubleshooting. You’ll build diagnostic thinking through software‑based exercises and scenario‑driven drills, collaborate with teammates, and receive coaching and evaluations designed to mirror shop‑floor expectations.

• Arrive prepared and on time
• Participate fully in lectures, labs, coaching, and evaluations
• Complete assigned exercises, labs, projects, and assessments
• Follow safety protocols in both housing and training environments
• Engage in individual and team‑based problem solving
• Show consistent effort and growth in technical capability

Physical requirements

• Comfort sitting or standing for extended periods
• Fine‑motor work with small components, tools, and test instruments
• Ability to lift 50 lbs throughout the day

Do you meet the baseline?

• U.S. military veteran or transitioning service member with favorable standing or discharge (Honorable or General under Honorable Conditions)
• DD‑214 required to confirm service and discharge status
• Ready and willing to relocate anywhere in the U.S. for placement with program‑affiliated manufacturing partners
• Technical experience from your service or civilian employment

What gives you an edge

• Experience working with 3‑phase power
• Industrial electrical exposure with medium to high voltage (typically 208v, 240v, 277v, 480v, and above)
• Background in troubleshooting and maintaining industrial systems/equipment
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Proven ability to learn new technical topics quickly
• Robust computer literacy

Your comfort zone of skills

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• Electrical Troubleshooting Skills
• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• PCB Assembly (Printed Circuit Board Assembly)
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• CNC Programming
• Electrical Installation
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• PLC Programming Experience
• PLC Wiring Experience
• Electrical / Electronic Systems
• HVAC Troubleshooting
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Electrical Panel Installation
• Electrical Schematic Reading
• Basic Computer Skills

Leave the program with modern controls expertise, proven troubleshooting reps, and employer connections that align directly with your training—ready to close critical talent gaps across U.S. manufacturing.