New FIRST Robotics Competition Trainings!

Whether you're new to the world of FIRST^® Robotics Competition or you're a seasoned veteran looking to help new team members level up, we’ve got some exciting news: FIRST^® Education recently released two awesome new trainings in the brand-new FIRST Training platform, and they’re ready for you to explore!

If you aren’t one of the thousands who have already logged into FIRST Training, this is a great time to get started. All registered team members can log in to your FIRST Dashboard and click on the FIRST Training button to start your journey or go straight to FIRST Training. Inside you’ll find a variety of free trainings, but we’re going to focus on the two new training paths that are specifically geared toward FIRST Robotics Competition.

FIRST Robotics Competition Guided Experience

Dig into the world of FIRST Robotics Competition through the FIRST Robotics Competition Guided Experience: a fun, flexible, interactive way to learn the skills and resources needed to have a successful team. Designed for use at team meetings, in the classroom, or solo learning by registered students (13+), mentors, or coaches at your own pace, these online trainings are perfect for all teams and team members who want to build a strong robotics foundation before the exhilarating pace of build season begins.

What’s inside?

The Guided Experience includes six self-paced, interactive modules with optional hands-on guided activities to reinforce learning. Explore modules individually, or complete the whole training path, including:

• Module 1: Introduction to FIRST Robotics Competition - Learn the structure of FIRST Robotics Competition games and archetypes, explore team roles and career connections, and discover new resources for FIRST teams. 
• Module 2: How Do FIRST Robotics Competition Robots Work? - Explore key components of robot drivetrains, manipulators, power and control systems, sensors, and actuators, along with programming foundations to prepare to code your robot.
• Module 3: Introduction to CAD and 3D Printing - Discover how CAD is used in robot design and prototyping with hands-on activities and helpful, FIRST-specific resources in OnShape, then explore 3D printing tips and tricks while creating a FIRST keychain. 
• Module 4: Fabrication Tools and Safety - Understand essential tools and safety practices for building robots.
• Module 5: Rapid Prototyping - Explore fast, iterative design techniques to test ideas quickly, then practice fabrication and prototyping skills by building a frisbee launcher.
• Module 6: Preparing for Build Season – Discover resources to inventory team materials, plan a team budget, explore fundraising options, and hold a mock kickoff experience.

What’s Next?

This is just the beginning. Six additional modules focused on Build Season are currently in development and will be released as they become available. These upcoming modules will guide teams through more in-depth support for robot design, fabrication, wiring and programming, and help teams prepare for competition success.

Welcome to FIRST Robotics Competition

If you're a mentor or coach stepping into the world of FIRST Robotics Competition, this training path is your perfect starting point. Designed to be short, self-paced, and practical, it offers a clear introduction to what it means to lead a team, and the powerful impact FIRST Robotics Competition can have on all participants.

What’s inside?

The training path includes:

• Why Does FIRST Robotics Competition Exist? Explore the mission, ethos, and history of FIRST Robotics Competition.
• How Does FIRST Robotics Competition Work? Learn how the program is structured, what it stands for, and how it transforms participants through its core pillars of teamwork, innovation, and real-world problem solving.
• What Does a Year on a Team Look Like? Walk through a FIRST Robotic Competition season with practical tools and resources to help your team succeed.

Whether you’re preparing for your first kickoff, or trying to build knowledge and find valuable resources, this training path will give you the confidence and clarity to lead your team with purpose.

Kickoff is just around the corner, so now’s the time! Rally your team, grab your laptop, and start your journey with the FIRST Robotics Competition Guided Experience and Welcome to FIRST Robotics Competition today.