BGSU Firelands expands hands-on engineering technology training through state funding

Nearly $137,000 investment upgrades labs with industry-standard equipment to prepare students for in-demand careers

By Patrick Pfanner '14

Engineering technology students at Bowling Green State University Firelands are gaining a significant boost in workforce readiness through newly upgraded lab equipment made possible by Ohio’s $8.3 million Super RAPIDS initiative.

BGSU was one of more than a dozen institutions awarded RAPIDS funding, a program designed to strengthen Ohio’s workforce by supporting local training needs. The grants help campuses and career-technical centers invest in industry-standard equipment, giving students hands-on experience with the same advanced technology used by leading businesses across the state.

At BGSU Firelands, the University's regional campus in Huron, Ohio, nearly $137,000 in funding supported upgrades to the electronics and electromechanical technology labs, providing students with industry-standard tools such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), circuit workstations and advanced testing instruments. The program prepares students for roles in technology and advanced manufacturing. 

“This investment is a game-changer for our students,” said Philip Weinsier, professor of engineering technology at BGSU Firelands.

For Firelands students, the benefit is immediate: hands-on training in labs that better reflect the equipment, systems and problem-solving challenges they will encounter after graduation. Weinsier is committed to helping students enter high-demand fields with the latest gear and experience. 

“With the RAPIDS funding, we can fully deliver the type of lab experience that connects directly to what industry is asking for,” he said. 

BGSU Firelands Dean Allia Carter said the funding strengthens the college’s ability to fulfill its mission as the region’s public university. 

“Partnerships like the RAPIDS initiative allow us to meet students where they are while also looking ahead to where the region is going,” Carter said. “For our students, it means they can train on the latest technology without leaving their community. For local employers, it means a pipeline of graduates who can step into careers with the knowledge, confidence and experience to contribute immediately. This is about preparing students for meaningful careers and helping our region thrive.” 

Weinsier said the funding was secured through a collaboration with the BGSU College of Engineering and Innovation, underscoring the university’s broader commitment to statewide economic development.  

“This is about more than just machines,” Weinsier said. “It’s about confidence. Students can walk into an internship or a new job already comfortable with the tools of the trade. That makes a difference for them, and it makes a difference for employers.”