SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – BridgeValley Community & Technical College welcomed industry professionals, educators, manufacturers, and technology leaders to its South Charleston campus June 3-4 for the 2026 Automation Expo, a two-day event highlighting the latest innovations in industrial automation and advanced manufacturing.
Hosted in partnership with State Electric Supply Co., the Automation Expo featured hands-on demonstrations, emerging technologies, and educational sessions focused on automation, robotics, industrial controls, networking, machine safety, and smart manufacturing solutions. The event provided attendees with opportunities to explore new technologies while connecting with industry experts and solution providers, including exhibitors such as Data-Linc Group.
"Events like the Automation Expo give our students, employers, and industry partners the opportunity to experience emerging technologies firsthand while strengthening the connections between education and the workforce," said Kristi Sarrett, Dean of Workforce Development and Technical Education at BridgeValley Community & Technical College. "As technology continues to evolve, it's important that our programs evolve with it so graduates are prepared to meet the needs of today's employers."
The college's partnership with State Electric Supply Co. reflects a shared commitment to workforce development by providing students, employers, and educators with access to emerging technologies and industry expertise. Through collaborative events like the Automation Expo, BridgeValley continues to connect classroom learning with the evolving needs of today's manufacturing, energy, transportation, and industrial sectors.
BridgeValley's Workforce Development and Technical Education Division prepares students for high-demand careers through career-focused degree, certificate, and workforce training programs in diesel technology, welding, process technology, utility line service, HVACR, highway engineering technology, commercial driver's license (CDL) training, fiber optics, chemical operations, home inspection, and other industry-driven technical fields. Developed in collaboration with employers, these programs equip graduates with the technical skills and hands-on experience needed to succeed in today's workforce while supporting the continued growth of West Virginia's economy.
For more information about BridgeValley Community & Technical College and its workforce programs, visit www.bridgevalley.edu.