Windsor is set to welcome the next generation of innovators as the Windsor Essex Great Lakes FIRST Robotics Competition, highlighting how regional students are developing the skills powering the future of advanced manufacturing, automation, and technology in the region.
"Over the past decade, this event has grown into more than just a competition. It's a launchpad for future engineers, skilled trades professionals, programmers, and entrepreneurs," said Larry Koscielski, Vice President of Process & Technology Development, CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd. & Chair of Windsor-Essex FIRST Robotics. "Our alumni are now working at leading regional companies, including right here at CenterLine."
Taking place April 10 to 11 at the St. Denis Athletic and Community Centre, this free event will bring together 35 high school teams from across Ontario to compete in REBUILT, presented by Haas.
And a handful of local teams counted on the use of facilities and mentorship from faculty and staff at St. Clair College during this year's building season.
Over the past eight weeks, high school teams – including Tidal Shift, Amazon Warriors, and Sandwich SaberBytes – came to St. Clair College, tapping into the skillsets of expert faculty and utilizing facilities to practice and make repairs to their competition robots ahead of the big competition.
"A key strength of the Windsor Essex FIRST Robotics program is its strong and sustained partnership with local post-secondary institutions," read a media release from Windsor-Essex FIRST Robotics. "Both the University of Windsor and St. Clair College continue to support participating students through dedicated bursaries and scholarships, helping FIRST participants transition into engineering, technology, and skilled trades programs."
"In addition, both institutions provide critical in-kind support across all levels of FIRST programming, including access to machine shops, workspace, and volunteers, ensuring students have the tools, mentorship, and environment needed to succeed."
Some of the teams spent up to 60 hours at St. Clair College over March Break, refining their robots, practicing simulations, and developing team-building skills.
"Without them, we wouldn't get a robot built," said Cherie Sulyak, a FIRST Robotics mentor with Amazon Warriors, a community team made up entirely of young women. "It's pretty much impossible if you don't have a place to build, if you don't have a place to test, if you don't have tools to use."
"I think we're really lucky to be able to use the space that way we can actually come here, and we can practice," said Grade 10 St. Joe's student Liora Mechanic, who is on the Amazon Warriors squad. "Thank you to St. Clair for letting us use the space – we're very thankful."
Prof. Bill Rawlings of the Architectural Technology program and Prof. Al Douglas of the Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Robotics program also mentored students and helped with coding, materials, and guidance.
"It's a great opportunity for them to learn and for us to help them out," said Prof. Rawlings. "Some of the schools struggled during March Break as the high schools were closed. So, we opened up our doors and they came here, used the practice track, and then if they needed anything fabricated, we were glad to lend him a hand."
For Ella Foreman, a Grade 11 student at Holy Names and member of the Amazon Warriors, these practice sessions also served as a bonding experience that is helping shape her career path.
"I'm learning how to work together in like a group. I'm one of the electrical leads on our team, and it's definitely opened my options for what I want to go into and do after high school," Foreman said. "It's a really good privilege and it's one of my favorite things in the world. I just love it."
Since bringing the event to Windsor in 2014, the regional FIRST community has flourished, thanks to the commitment of regional academic institutions, educators, mentors, industry leaders, and organizations working together to support student success.
"For more than a decade, St. Clair College has been proud to support FIRST Robotics in Windsor-Essex because it reflects exactly what we strive to achieve - preparing students with the skills, curiosity and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce," said Michael Silvaggi, President of St. Clair College. "Competitions like this expose students to real-world problem solving, advanced technology and teamwork, while strengthening the talent pipeline that supports innovation and economic growth across our region."
"These partnerships are critical. We're not just inspiring students, we're creating a continuum from high school to post-secondary to meaningful careers within our region," said Gordon Orr, CEO of Invest WindsorEssex. "This alignment is what strengthens Windsor-Essex's long-term talent pipeline and positions us for continued economic growth."
Public Event Details:
- St. Denis Athletic & Community Centre (2555 College Ave, Windsor, ON)
- Friday, April 10: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, April 11: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Parking will be available at the Human Kinetics building, St. Denis Centre, and Stadium lots (parking details here).
A full list of participating teams can be found here.
Can't attend in person? Watch live here.
