Growing up as a Hamiltonian in the 80s, 90s, and even early 2000s, it’s likely you knew someone who worked at Champion Paper, Mosler Safe, Hamilton Fixture, or Fisher Body. To work at one of these places was a source of pride for employees — pride in what they did, pride in who they did it for, and pride in their city. Seeing those places close and leave Hamilton was hard. Families lost their jobs, friends moved away, and the community felt forever changed.
Thankfully, Hamilton and its people never gave up. They moved forward with the wisdom of the past and continued to build new partnerships, such as the one forged between Butler Tech and Miami University.
The two educational institutions have worked together to create the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub (AM Hub). The AM Hub blends hands-on learning, cutting-edge technology, and real-world industry experience to provide distinctive pathways for students to become invested in the rebirth of the community's manufacturing sector.
Butler Tech has long been known for being at the forefront of teaching students interested in careers in skilled trades, labor, and manufacturing, while Miami University is consistently ranked among the nation’s best at the collegiate level. Through the dynamic pairing of industry and education, the AM Hub will provide learners from both institutions with vital hands-on training using new technologies that drive the state’s manufacturers. Whether it’s information technology, welding, precision machining, engineering, or mechatronics, the AM Hub is preparing students for their future career paths and goals.
Education and Industry Working as One
In 2023, Miami University, Butler Tech, the City of Hamilton, and Butler County partnered to purchase a 300,000-square-foot building and 55 acres — transforming the former VORA Technology Park (previously the Knightsbridge Road headquarters for Champion Paper in its final years) into the AM Hub. Students will work side-by-side with a variety of industry leaders in manufacturing, including representatives from Emerson, General Tool, Juxtum, thyssenkrupp Bilstein, StandardAero, TRAK Machine Tools, and Yaskawa.
Students will explore new ways to learn, create, and innovate in a setting that seamlessly integrates all the best of Butler Tech’s hands-on, career-focused education, Miami’s world-class academic excellence, and the expertise of the business leaders who are helping shape the future of advanced manufacturing. It’s a living, breathing model of education and industry working together as one, with a goal of helping students develop a strong sense of business acumen, entrepreneurial imagination, and the critical-thinking mindset that is crucial in today’s world.
Multiple Educational Pathways Available
The cornerstone of the AM Hub for Butler Tech will be the innovative three-year engineering program, designed for students beginning in 10th grade. The program allows students to do a deep dive into engineering principles while working directly with advanced technologies and real industry partners. Through project-based learning and hands-on experience, students apply design thinking, problem-solving, and precision skills to real-world challenges.
Along the way, they will earn valuable certifications, build professional networks, and develop the technical expertise needed to move seamlessly into the workforce or continue their studies through Miami University Regionals Engineering Technology pathways.
Learners still in high school may apply for one of these pathways through Butler Tech. Those who have already graduated can begin their journey whenever they’re ready by applying directly to Miami Regionals. The available pathways include:
Associate in Applied Science degrees:
• Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science in Applied Science degree with a focus in:
• Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology
• Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Robotics Engineering Technology
Miami Regionals Engineering Technology programs will continue to expand under the polytechnic educational model, creating additional opportunities for Butler Tech students to connect hands-on learning with advanced degree options and in-demand careers.
The Tide is Turning
For so long, the trades and college have seemingly been at opposite ends of the spectrum. There are exceptions — my own dad was a journeyman electrician through Miami University in the 70s thanks to the GI Bill. In the broader lens of education, however, the worlds of trades and college have often been viewed separately. The tides are turning, however.
“Butler Tech and Miami University are collaborating to build the future of public education in the United States,”
said Jon Graft, who, after nearly a decade as superintendent and CEO of Butler Tech, is now serving as Butler Tech’s Strategic Adviser and has taken on an additional new role as Special Assistant and Strategic Consultant to the Miami Regionals Dean.
That sentiment was echoed by Miami University President Gregory Crawford, who said,
“Miami University’s partnership with Butler Tech is the beginning of a unique national model that will significantly elevate our region and the State of Ohio.”
Manufacturing is Ohio’s number one industry, and the Southwest region alone needs 33% more workers. Bridging the gap between the trades, college, and the ever-growing manufacturing workforce is more important than ever.
The Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub is expected to open in January 2026, and what an exciting way to start the new year that will be — for Hamilton and for Ohio.
Learn more about the AM Hub at MiamiOH.edu/AMHub and ButlerTech.org.
