New Fluke Engineering Lab Opens at Washington State University

Everett, Washington, Sept. 03, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- On November 12, 2023, the new Fluke Engineering Lab at Washington State University (WSU) in Everett officially opened, marking a significant step in preparing the next generation of engineers for the industry.

The lab, situated at WSU Everett’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, will provide hands-on experience to more than 4,000 engineering students across five WSU campuses. Students will have access to over 30 Fluke tools and technologies, including thermal imaging, digital multimeters, and calibration equipment, allowing them to gain practical experience with the same technologies used in the workplace.

"Great engineers learn by doing," stated Parker Burke, President of Fluke. "Through the Fluke Engineering Lab, students will gain hands-on experience with the same tools and technologies they’ll use in industry. This investment is about more than equipment; it’s about building the skills, confidence, and problem-solving capability the next generation will need to strengthen our workforce, accelerate innovation, and solve the critical challenges facing industry."

Washington State University President Betsy Cantwell echoed Burke's sentiments, saying, "Tomorrow’s engineers cannot be prepared for tomorrow’s challenges using yesterday’s tools. Through our partnership with Fluke, we’re bringing industry directly into the classroom and creating new opportunities for students to connect what they learn with how engineering is practiced in the real world. This kind of university-industry partnership can transform engineering education and help WSU shape the future of engineering in Washington and beyond."

The Fluke Engineering Lab opening coincided with WSU in the Puget Sound and WSU’s Apple Cup weekend celebrations, bringing together university, industry, and community leaders to celebrate the growth of WSU Everett and its role in the region. The event underscores the shared commitment to closing the skills gap and equipping students with the hands-on expertise needed to succeed in engineering, advanced manufacturing, maintenance, and other technology-driven industries.

Beyond the new lab, Fluke will continue its longstanding support of WSU students through mentorship of capstone projects both at the Everett campus and across the university. This partnership aims to provide students with opportunities to apply their engineering knowledge to real-world challenges.

Sandra Haynes, Executive Vice President for WSU Statewide Campuses, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership, stating, "While the Fluke Engineering Lab is located at WSU Everett, the opportunities this partnership creates will extend far beyond a single location, benefiting students and strengthening engineering programs across the WSU system. We are grateful to Fluke for its investment in our students and for helping expand access to industry-standard tools, experiences, and opportunities across all of our campuses."

The need for this type of industry-connected education is highlighted by ongoing workforce challenges facing manufacturers and other technology-intensive industries. Recent Fluke research found that skills-related challenges account for 78% of reported obstacles to technology adoption, including a lack of expertise, knowledge shortages, skilled labor gaps, and broader workforce skills shortages.

Founded in 1948, Fluke Corporation is the world leader in compact, professional electronic test tools and software for measuring and condition monitoring. Fluke customers are technicians, engineers, electricians, maintenance managers, and metrologists who install, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial, electrical, and electronic equipment and calibration processes.

Washington State University is a nationally recognized public research university committed to advancing knowledge, inspiring discovery, and preparing future leaders. As the state’s land-grant university with campuses, research centers, and Extension offices across the state, WSU is dedicated to teaching, research, and outreach that strengthen Washington’s economy and improve the quality of life for people across the region and beyond.

The partnership between Fluke and Washington State University is a testament to the growing importance of bridging the gap between academic theory and practical industry experience. By equipping students with the tools and expertise needed to succeed in the workforce, both organizations aim to address the looming skills gap and foster innovation in the engineering and technology sectors.